Kent families left without mains electricity for eight months in row over land access
Ten families in Wrotham, Kent, have been without electricity for eight months, relying entirely on a generator for heating and power since 23 June 2025.
Residents of Pilgrims Way remain disconnected due to an unresolved issue with UK Power Networks (UKPN).
The problem is believed to be caused by a fault in an underground transformer located in a nearby area. However, repairs were halted due to an access dispute.
Residents claim the network provider neglected to renew the right-of-way over the land, leading to the landowner denying access for repair works.
As a result, the diesel generator, originally intended as a temporary measure, became the sole source of power for months.
“The power went out three times in January, followed by dips and fluctuations in power for a week, causing our house lights to flash like a disco,” resident Ros Smith said.
To add to its problems, the generator itself was targeted by thieves in December. They attempted to tear out power cables, plunging homes into darkness once again and leaving behind a shattered generator and a broken telegraph pole.
Ms Smith added: “UK Power Networks has since introduced security. A man sits inside his car 24/7 to deter future thieves. This must cost a fortune.”
“He sits in front of our house all day, which was a little worrying at first. Now I feel sorry for him. He has no means.”
He said every time there was a power outage, UKPN intervened to resolve the problem, but the uncertainty made them nervous.
“Both my husband and I are lawyers and often work from home,” she continued.
“But it’s gotten to the point where you feel like you have to go to the office because you can’t risk losing power during an important video call.”
But Ms Smith said the saddest thing was that UK Power was still not telling residents what the plan was for a permanent solution or giving them a timetable for repairs.
“We all called to complain at different times, but we all hear different stories,” the lawyer added.
“I even tried to put something [Freedom of Information] but was told they were not a public company and did not have to respond to this.
He reported seeing a “flurry of activity” with huge diggers in the area four or five weeks ago.
“It looked like they were planning to bury the local transformer in the ground,” he added.
“But then one of the fuel trucks feeding the generator got stuck in the mud they were churning out and everything has come to a halt ever since.
“It’s a real mess out there now.”
Nearby neighbors Mike and Sonia Weaver have a similar sad story.
Mr Weaver said: “This is disgraceful. The area where the temporary generator is located is owned by the National Trust and is part of the National Landscape. But it is a mess.
“There are mats over the muddy entrance to the site to help the fuel truck and safety car get in and out, but these keep getting on the road and are a danger to pedestrians and the many cyclists who use this route.
“The company’s communication is not working. I, like my neighbours, have contacted UK Power many times wanting to know what is going on.
“Everyone gets a different answer. Recently it was said that it could take at least two years to resolve the issue.
“We’re actually only 37 miles from Trafalgar Square in London but we have to put up with this kind of service. It’s incredible!”
Other residents also faced problems escaping their homes when the power went out.
Sonia Weaver said: “Most of us here have electric cars. Of course, when the power goes out, we can’t charge them and we get stranded.
“But even when the power is on, we use a polluting diesel generator to charge our electric cars. What’s the irony of this?”
Suzanne Hawk lives in the house next to the generator. He said: “This is constant stress and anxiety for everyone, especially those working from home.
“When the fuel truck got stuck they had to bring in a crane to lift it and the road was closed for an hour and a half. They really need to get this sorted.
But Ms. Hawk had some sympathy for the security guards. He said: “They work 12-hour shifts and sit in the car all the time. Even on Christmas Day! They must be freezing.”
Another neighbor, Dione Jones, said that a guard once called her house at half past midnight and asked for her internet code because her phone had exceeded its data limit.
She said: “It woke my son up, which was very upsetting.”
Mrs. Jones’s 13-year-old son has ADHD and needs to be homeschooled.
He said: “He cannot do his classes when the electricity is cut off and he finds this situation very sad.
“He also finds it very difficult at night when the power goes out and we have to use candles. This has a real impact on our family.”
Ms. Jones, who has lived in Pilgrims Way for two years, also wondered what would happen if she or her neighbors wanted to move.
He said: “No one is going to buy a house where electricity is supplied by a generator.”
The families’ situation was discussed by Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat. He wrote them a letter deploring their situation.
He said: “I understand how difficult it is for all of you to have such an unreliable electricity supply.
“My office is currently seeking advice on a legislative provision that could allow UK Energy Networks to enter the land where the substation is located to resolve the issue.”
Mr Tugendhat also went straight to the top and wrote to Basil Scarsella, chief executive of UK Energy Networks, asking him to ensure electricity supplies were restored as soon as possible.
A spokesman for UK Power Networks said: “We understand residents’ concerns and our team continues to work closely with the landowner to repair the underground cable on privately owned land.
“Following a joint site meeting last month, we believe plans to restore electricity supply have been agreed and we are awaiting landowner approval to proceed.
“Our security guard contractor is responsible for ensuring that breaks and adequate arrangements are made for the welfare of the security guard and they have assured us that this will be provided.”
