Power cuts can be a nuisance at the best of times, but repeated power cuts bring an unacceptable level of disruption and distress to households and businesses (especially those in our most rural communities).

That’s why, upon learning that Beetley and some of the surrounding villages have had at least seven power cuts over recent months, I have been supporting local councillors as they have raised this issue with UK Power Networks.

UK Power Networks have now confirmed that their teams have been assessing all options to improve the reliability of the power network in this area. While they say the electricity network is very complex in this part of Mid Norfolk, they have identified a number of potential causes and plan to conduct works to try and address those issues.

They will be undertaking proactive tree cutting work and replacing the conductors of the electricity cables in the area in the week commencing 13th November.

To do this, I understand that they will have to turn off the power to safely work on the cables and wider network on 14th and 15th November. For 14th November, they will be able to fit generators to the network meaning power supplies will only be affected for around 336 properties for less than 30minutes. However, on 15th November, they will need to completely turn off power to 135 properties while they complete their works.

Affected households and businesses will all be formally contacted in advance – and UK Power Networks have also confirmed they will be contacting vulnerable customers registered on their Priority Services Register to offer any assistance they require while the works are carried out.

While not ideal, I hope that these improvements can significantly minimise future prolonged disruption due to power cuts for these local communities.

Rest assured, I will continue to support local councillors as they hold UK Power Networks to account and try to get this problem resolved.