Power has now been restored to almost all homes affected by this week’s unplanned power cut in Kempston, with just four properties still without electricity as engineers wait to gain access so they can carry out final safety checks.
The disruption began shortly before 10am on Wednesday (25 June), when more than 200 homes in the Bedford Road area lost power due to a fault on the UK Power Networks (UKPN) network.
Over the past two days, engineers have worked to repair the fault and safely reconnect properties, but the complexity of the issue meant that teams needed access to every individual property before electricity could be fully restored.
Read: Over 200 Kempston homes without power for 24 hours as unplanned power cut continues
UKPN confirmed earlier today (27 June) that all but four homes are now reconnected.
Ongoing checks and support
A UKPN spokesperson said: “Our engineers have completed the majority of safety checks at properties and continue to offer support to anyone affected.
We will need access to all affected properties before we can restore the power. If we haven’t already visited or spoken to you to arrange access, it’s important for you to please call us on 105 or speak to one of our customer champions in the area.”
Specialist electricians from Haste, UKPN’s repair contractors, are continuing to visit homes where needed and are prioritising boiler repairs to ensure residents have access to hot water.
UKPN’s Customer Support Vehicle remains stationed at 40 Bedford Road, alongside an additional food van, providing residents with hot food, drinks, WiFi, device charging and on-site support.
Nearby Centenary Hall (104 Bedford Road, MK42 8BG) also remains open, offering kitchen facilities, toilets, air conditioning, and additional charging points for those who still require assistance.
Road closures
Bedford Borough Council has confirmed that Bedford Road remains closed this morning (Friday), though UKPN hopes to reopen it as soon as possible.
A welfare and control unit is also still in place at the junction of Bedford Road and Park Road, where residents can request support. Council teams remain on-site to assist residents and businesses affected by the disruption.
Wednesday’s fault left hundreds of homes without power for over 24 hours, with many residents relying on temporary support hubs and mobile assistance from UKPN’s Customer Champions.
Although over 75% of homes were reconnected by Thursday, the remaining properties required full safety inspections before power could be restored.
Read: Power still out for dozens of Kempston homes as engineers carry out checks
Several residents also reported damage to internal appliances, prompting the deployment of specialist electrical contractors to assess and repair faults.
UKPN has said that any compensation payments for affected customers will be handled proactively once the situation is resolved.
Residents with ongoing issues or who need support are encouraged to contact UK Power Networks on 105 or 0800 31 63 105, or speak directly with Customer Champions who are still active in the area.
