December 18, 2025 — Colchester (Essex) and Bounds Green (North London)
UK Power Networks, the electricity distributor responsible for keeping homes and businesses supplied across London, the South East and the East of England, is dealing with both an unplanned outage in Essex and active street works in North London today. [1]
In Colchester, more than 240 homes were reported as affected by a power cut as engineers investigate the cause. [2] Meanwhile, in Bounds Green (N22), cable repair works at the Truro Road junction are continuing with temporary two‑way signals in place — and drivers are being warned to expect delays through to Friday. [3]
What’s happening today
- Colchester: UK Power Networks is investigating a power cut reported to be affecting more than 240 homes. [4]
- Bounds Green Road (N22):Cable repair works are underway at the Truro Road junction, with temporary two‑way signals. Works are due to finish 19 December 2025. [5]
- Wider network: UK Power Networks’ live incident reporting also shows planned works and interruptions across the region on 18 December (as is typical during winter maintenance periods). [6]
Colchester power cut: the latest as engineers investigate
Residents in Colchester reported losing power as UK Power Networks began investigating an outage affecting more than 240 homes, according to local reporting. [7]
When an outage hits a neighbourhood, engineers first work to confirm whether the issue can be resolved quickly through the network’s control systems (for example, by switching supplies and rerouting electricity). If that doesn’t restore power safely, teams are dispatched to locate the fault and carry out repairs. UK Power Networks says some supplies can be restored remotely, but other incidents require engineers to attend sites and assess equipment before repair work can begin. [8]
How to check if your address is affected in Colchester
UK Power Networks’ online checker is designed to give the same live updates that call handlers can access, including whether an incident is confirmed and what engineers are doing next. [9]
If you’re unable to access online updates, or if there’s any danger (such as damaged electrical equipment), UK Power Networks can be contacted by phone — including via the national 105 power cut number. [10]
Bounds Green Road N22: cable repair works and traffic disruption at Truro Road junction
In North London, UK Power Networks is carrying out cable repair works on Bounds Green Road (N22) at the Truro Road junction. Temporary two‑way signals are in place and motorists are being told to expect delays. The works are ongoing and due to finish 19 December 2025. [11]
For commuters, school runs and deliveries, the impact is likely to be felt most during peak times, when temporary signals can quickly back traffic up on approach roads. If you travel through the area regularly today and tomorrow, it’s worth allowing extra time, considering public transport, or planning alternative routes based on live traffic conditions.
Why cable repairs often require traffic management
Underground electricity faults are rarely “quick fixes.” UK Power Networks notes that when the cause is linked to underground cables, engineers may need to dig up the road or footpath to access the cable, investigate where the fault sits, and make repairs safely — a process that can sometimes take time and may involve multiple stages. [12]
That’s a key reason temporary signals, lane restrictions, or other street works controls are often used: they create a safe working zone for crews while keeping traffic flowing as best as possible.
Why outages can be hard to pinpoint — and why some faults come back
One question households often ask during an outage is: “Why can’t you just switch it back on?” In reality, a power cut is usually a symptom of a fault that must be found and isolated before supplies can be restored safely.
UK Power Networks says power cuts can happen for many reasons, and sometimes it can take more than one attempt to repair a fault permanently — particularly if the cause requires extensive engineering work to locate and fix. [13]
This is especially true with underground faults, where equipment isn’t visible and the failure point may be some distance away from where customers experience the outage. In those cases, time is spent on investigation, excavation, repair, testing, and reinstatement.
Safety advice during a power cut: what to do right now
If you are affected by a power cut — whether in Colchester or anywhere else — a few practical steps can keep you safe and help speed up reporting:
- Check whether it’s just your home. If neighbours have power, it could be an internal issue (like a tripped breaker).
- Use official channels for updates. UK Power Networks encourages customers to use its online tools for live updates and reporting where possible. [14]
- Treat damaged electrical equipment as dangerous. UK Power Networks warns that if you see downed lines or anything that could pose a risk, you should stay at least 10 metres away and report it immediately via 105 (or 999 if there’s an immediate danger to the public). [15]
Support for vulnerable residents: Priority Services Register
Power cuts can be especially difficult for people who rely on medical equipment at home, those with mobility challenges, older residents, or households with specific accessibility needs.
UK Power Networks highlights its Priority Services Register (PSR) as a free service offering tailored support for customers who may need extra help, and provides dedicated contact details for PSR support. [16]
If you or someone you care for could be at higher risk during an outage, it’s worth checking eligibility and registering so support can be coordinated more quickly when incidents occur.
Compensation and complaints: what customers should know
If you’ve experienced repeated interruptions, UK Power Networks says it understands how frustrating multiple short outages can be and encourages customers to contact them so the underlying issue can be investigated. The company also points customers to information about eligibility for compensation in cases involving multiple or repeat power cuts. [17]
Because compensation rules can depend on the nature of the incident and how long power is off, affected customers should follow the official guidance for their specific case and keep note of:
- the time power went off and returned,
- any reference number provided in updates,
- and whether the issue repeats over multiple days.
What to watch next on 18–19 December
For Colchester: the key updates to look for are confirmation of the fault type (for example, whether it’s local low‑voltage equipment or something on a wider section of the network), and the estimated time for restoration once the repair approach is confirmed.
For Bounds Green (N22): the main milestone is the planned completion date of 19 December 2025 for the cable repair works and the removal of the temporary signals. [18]
As winter demand remains high and storms can increase the likelihood of faults, today’s incidents are also a reminder to keep essentials charged (phones, battery packs), know where torches are stored, and check on neighbours who may need extra help if power is disrupted.
References
1. www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk, 2. x.com, 3. www.parikiaki.com, 4. x.com, 5. www.parikiaki.com, 6. www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk, 7. x.com, 8. www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk, 9. www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk, 10. www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk, 11. www.parikiaki.com, 12. www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk, 13. www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk, 14. www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk, 15. www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk, 16. www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk, 17. www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk, 18. www.parikiaki.com
