Power Cut Caused By Object Falling Onto Overhead Lines

A power cut which affected over 7,000 properties in and around Market Harborough is thought to have been caused by an object falling onto overhead lines.

The blackout happened just after 7.45am, although the majority of homes and businesses had supplies restored within ten minutes.

A spokesperson for Western Power Distribution said: “The power cut is believed to have been the result of a ‘transient fault’ where an object such as a branch or other debris comes into contact with overhead power lines.

“Engineers from WPD are today patrolling overhead lines in the area to see if they can identify the exact cause of the fault.”

“A power cut affecting 7,107 customers in the Market Harborough area was reported this morning at 7.47am. Of these customers, 4,225 had their electricity supplies back on within five minutes.

“A further 2,880 customers had power restored a minute later. Power to all these customers was restored using a process called ‘switching’ where electricity is re-routed around the fault using remote technology.

“One remaining customer had electricity restored after 37 minutes by engineers who visited the property.”