An energy firm has insisted that winter power cuts in a village near Farnham can’t be put off despite concerns about their impact on elderly residents.

Scottish & Southern Energy Networks will temporarily cut supplies around Rowledge on Monday, February 3, so it can replace poles and transformers as part of a greater bid to improve and strengthen local supply.

Similar work recently took place in the Dockenfield and Holt Pound area although the project was dogged by theft as parts from an overnight generator were twice stolen.

The work earmarked for Rowledge is expected to take eight hours with SSEN vowing to complete the upgrade as soon as possible.

But although the firm published a notice on Tuesday, January 7, some residents are concerned the planned outage hasn’t been publicised enough and may take some elderly villagers by surprise.

“This is taking place in February, right in the middle of winter, when a lot of people will have their heating turned on and they’re trying to stay warm,” said villager, Andrew Smith.

“They’ve said 8.30am to 4.30pm but there’s no guarantee they will stick to eight hours. I worry it could be 12 or longer.”

A spokesperson for SSEN said carrying out essential works during winter isn’t something the firm undertakes lightly, but is necessary to avoid the potential for longer and unplanned power cuts.

They added: “Customers who are part of this planned, temporary interruption to their supplies were notified on January 7, to give them four weeks’ notice.

“This time is to enable any customers with concerns, or who may need additional assistance during the interruption, to get in touch with SSEN.”

Customer who aren’t on the SSEN Priority Services Register who may become vulnerable during a power cut are urged to call 0800 294 3259.