01 November 2002
Energy minister Brian Wilson has ordered an inquiry after a million homes were left without power by last weekend's storms.
Gale-force winds toppled trees and cut power lines, and industry watchdog Energywatch criticised some suppliers for the speed of their reaction and for failing to keep customers informed.
Chair Ann Robinson said: 'There have been too many cases of people who cannot get through to a customer helpline or who get through to find an answerphone at the other end which is already full and can take no more messages.
'These consumers may have been without heat or light for three days and they deserve better treatment.'
About 31,500 homes were still without power as at 10am on October 30, according to the Electricity Association. Some 17,000 were in eastern England, the worst-hit area, with 8,500 in the neighbouring east Midlands.
Wilson said: 'I have asked for an immediate review of how companies have performed, and for recommendations to help them ensure that future supplies to consumers are not affected to the same extent.'
Rail travellers continued to suffer disruption, with Eurostar passengers stranded when services were suspended for two days.
PFnov2002
