5-year blackout hell leaves homeowners fuming

Published 24 Jul 2009 13:46 0 Comments

RESIDENTS in Cardrona claim to have been left in the dark over repeated power cuts.

In the past five years, work and flights have been missed, food has been spoiled and residents left frozen as the area suffers up to three blackouts a month.

The latest on Monday night lasted from 2am to 11am and affected up to 160 homes.

Power supplier Scottish Power have been contacted on numerous occasions by exasperated homeowners who repeatedly receive the same excuse.

Neil Caird, of Cardrona Way, lost up to £500 worth of food after Monday night's blackout.

He said: "I've lived here since 2004 and we suffer two or three power outtages a month. Some last a couple of seconds; others, like Monday night's, can last several hours.

"I've complained to Scottish Power and the energy ombudsman but nothing seems to get done.

"I spend £1,000 a year on energy bills and for that expect a better service than this. I will pursue this matter through the courts if necessary."

Birds striking the line have been blamed by the energy giant for previous blackouts but Tory councillor Gavin Logan believes that there must be a bigger problem.

He said: "I've received numerous complaints about this and have contacted Scottish Power about it. I doubt it's birds hitting the lines up to two or three times a month, I think it must have something to do with a power surge of some kind.

"I can understand how frustrating and annoying it must be for homeowners. This has been going on for far too long."

MP David Mundell has also taken up the case. He said: "In this day and age there is no need for power outtages of this kind over such a long period. I have contacted Scottish Power and will get back to residents with any relevant information."

A Scottish Power spokesman said: "We are aware that there have been problems in the area and have fitted fault locators on the line to aid in monitoring and pinpointing the fault. At present we feel the problem lies with intermittent faults on the overhead network and we apologise for any inconvenience.

"We have received complaints from residents such as Mr Caird and are looking into this at present."

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 24 Jul 09

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