Kent families left without mains electricity for eight months in row over land access

Ten families in Wrotham, Kent, have endured eight months without mains electricity, relying entirely on a generator for heating and power since 23 June 2025.

The residents of Pilgrims Way remain cut off due to an unresolved issue with UK Power Networks (UKPN).

The problem is believed to stem from a fault in an underground transformer located in a nearby field. However, repairs have been stalled by an access dispute.

Residents claim that the network provider neglected to renew a right of way over the land, which has now expired, leading the landowner to allegedly refuse access for repair work.

Consequently, a diesel-powered generator, initially intended as a temporary measure, has become the sole power source for months.

”The power went off three times during January, and that was followed by a week of dips and surges in power, which had our house lights flashing like a disco,” resident Ros Smith said.

To add to their woes, the generator itself was targeted by thieves in December. They attempted to rip up electric cables, once again plunging homes into darkness and leaving behind a smashed generator and a broken telegraph pole.

Mrs Smith added: “Since then, UK Power Networks has put in security. A man sits in his car 24/7 to deter future thieves. It must be costing a fortune.

“He sits right outside our house all day, which was a little disconcerting at first. Now I feel sorry for him. He has no facilities.”

She said that each time the electricity went off, UKPN had attended to fix the problem, but the uncertainty had left them nervous.

“Both my husband and I are solicitors and we work from home quite often,” she continued.

“But it’s got to the point where you feel compelled to go into the office, because you can’t risk losing power during an important video call.”

However, Mrs Smith said the most distressing thing was that UK Power had still not told residents what the plan is for a permanent fix, nor given them a timetable for repairs.

“We’ve all rung up to complain at different times, but we all get different stories,” the lawyer added.

“I even tried to put in a [Freedom of Information] request, but was told they were not a public company and didn’t have to respond to that.”

She reported seeing a “flurry of activity” four or five weeks ago, with huge diggers on the site.

“It looked as though they were planning to bury the local transformer in the ground,” she added.

“But then one of the fuel lorries feeding the generator got stuck in all the mud they had churned up, and since then, everything has ground to a halt.

“It’s just a real mess there now.”

Close neighbours Mike and Sonia Weaver have a similar tale of woe.

Mr Weaver said: “It’s disgraceful. The field housing the temporary generator is owned by the National Trust and is part of a National Landscape area. But it’s been left a mess.

“There are mats over the muddy entrance to the field to help the fuel truck and security vehicle get in and out. But they emerge onto the road and stick up, where they are a hazard to pedestrians and the many cyclists who use this route.

“The company’s communication is useless. I’ve contacted UK Power many times, asking to be told what is going on, as have my neighbours.

“Everyone gets a different answer. Recently, one was told it could be at least two years before the problem is solved.

“We are actually only 23 miles away from Trafalgar Square in London, but we are having to put up with this sort of service. It’s incredible!”

Other residents have also encountered issues escaping their homes when the power is out too..

Sonia Weaver said: “Most of us here have electric cars. Of course, when the power goes off, we can’t charge them and we’re stuck.

“But even when the power is on, we are using a polluting diesel generator to charge our electric cars - where’s the irony in that?”

Suzanne Hawk lives in the house next to the generator. She said: “It’s a constant stress and worry for everyone. Especially those who work from home.

“When the fuel truck got stuck, they had to bring in a crane to lift it out, and the road was closed for an hour and a half. They’ve really got to get this sorted.

But Mrs Hawk had some sympathy for the security guards. She said: “They work 12-hour shifts and sit in the car the whole time. Even on Christmas Day! They must be freezing.”

Another neighbour, Dione Jones, said that on one occasion a guard had called at her house at half past midnight, asking for their internet code, because his phone had exceeded his data allowance.

She said: “He woke my son, which was very distressing.”

Mrs Jones’ 13-year-old boy has ADHD and has to be home-schooled.

She said: “When the power goes off, he can’t do his lessons, and he finds that very upsetting.

“He also finds it very hard if the power goes off at night, and we have to use candles. This is having a real effect on our family.”

Mrs Jones, who has lived in Pilgrims Way for two years, also wondered what would happen if she or her neighbours wanted to move.

She said: “No one’s going to buy a home where the power is supplied by a generator.”

The families’ plight has been taken up by the MP for Tonbridge, Tom Tugendhat. He has written to them sympathising with their situation.

He said: “I appreciate how difficult this must be for you all to have such an unreliable source of electricity supply.

“My office is currently taking advice on the legislative provision that might enable UK Power Networks to enter the land where the substation is located, in order to resolve the problem.”

Mr Tugendhat has also gone straight to the top, writing to Basil Scarsella, the chief executive of UK Power Networks, asking him to ensure the mains supply is restored as soon as possible.

A spokesman for UK Power Networks said: “We understand residents’ concerns and our team continues to work closely with a landowner to gain access to repair an underground cable on privately owned land.

“Following a joint site meeting last month, we believe plans to restore mains supplies have been agreed and we’re awaiting the landowner’s consent to proceed.

“Our security guard contractor is responsible for ensuring breaks and adequate arrangements are in place for the guard’s welfare and they have assured us this is in place.”