BORDERERS impacted by power cuts after Storm Arwen are among thousands set to receive additional compensation, energy chiefs have announced.

SP Energy Networks will pay out £150 to households powerless for more than 48 hours, in addition to statutory payments totalling more than £1 million.

Borders residents first experienced problems last Friday (November 26), with the council saying that as many as 500 homes could have still been without power this morning.

Frank Mitchell, CEO of SP Energy Networks, said the damage caused by the storm was “far greater than we have seen for at least 25 years”.

READ MORE: Borders man, 19, made homophobic remarks and threatened violence, court hears

“We are incredibly grateful to our customers for their patience as our engineers worked tirelessly to make repairs safely amid some continuing challenging weather conditions, but we also appreciate the worry and uncertainty over the length of time without power has brought to some customers,” he said.

“We apologise again to everyone affected by the damage to the power network caused by the storm. The devastation right across the communities we serve from Fife, Lothian & Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Cheshire, North & Mid Wales from north easterly wind speeds of up to 97mph, was far greater than we have seen for at least 25 years.

“Our full resources were deployed to make repairs, with a team of 1,000 staff involved in emergency action and direct field response, also supported by our customer service teams managing calls and customers in our service centres.”

READ MORE: Housing plans revealed for former Borders College campus in Galashiels

Those without power for two days (£70); three days (£210); four days (£350); five days (£490); and six days (£630) will receive statutory payments from the power firm.

Around 8,000 homes will then get the additional £150 cash boost, according to a spokesperson.

“Our engineers have worked daily from first light until the small hours to make repairs as quickly and as safely as they could, and I’m hugely proud of their efforts,” added Mr Mitchell.

“While our early storm response was hampered by road access due to fallen trees and significant storm debris, we’ve had boots on the ground across our operating area endeavouring to get customers back on supply as quickly and as safely as possible.

“I hope our customers can accept this additional gesture of goodwill, which will be made available before Christmas, and I’d personally like to thank everyone again for bearing with us at what has been a very challenging time.”

The provision of hotel rooms, hot food and other measures has seen the firm spend a further £1 million, according to the spokesperson.