Hundreds of homes and businesses across parts of Wallasey and Birkenhead are without electricity following an underground cable fault. SP Energy Networks confirmed the power outage began on the evening of Wednesday, October 1, with engineers dispatched to resolve the issue.
The largest affected area is in the CH44 postcode district of Wallasey, with a smaller, separate outage reported in the CH43 area of Birkenhead. The energy provider has issued an estimated restoration time for Thursday afternoon and is providing regular updates to residents.
Key Takeaways
- A significant power cut is affecting numerous postcodes in the CH44 area of Wallasey.
- The outage was caused by a fault in an underground electricity cable, which occurred at 6:37 PM on October 1.
- SP Energy Networks engineers are on-site conducting repairs.
- Power is expected to be restored in Wallasey by 3:15 PM on Thursday, October 2.
- A separate power outage is affecting the CH43 7QS postcode in Birkenhead, with an estimated restoration time of 3:00 PM.
Wallasey Outage Details
The primary power disruption is concentrated in the CH44 area of Wallasey. According to SP Energy Networks, the supply was intentionally interrupted at 6:37 PM on Wednesday evening. This action was taken to allow engineers to safely access and assess a reported fault with an underground cable.
The nature of underground cable faults means that repairs can be complex and time-consuming. Engineers must first locate the precise point of failure before excavation and repair work can begin. The company has set a target restoration time of 3:15 PM on Thursday, October 2, but has advised that this is an estimate and may change as work progresses.
Understanding Underground Cable Faults
Underground cable faults are a common cause of power outages in urban areas. These cables are protected from weather but can be damaged by factors such as ground movement, water ingress, accidental damage from excavation work, or simple degradation over time. Locating the fault often requires specialised equipment, and repairs involve digging to access the cable, which adds to the time needed to restore power compared to overhead line issues.
Birkenhead Power Disruption
In addition to the widespread outage in Wallasey, SP Energy Networks has also reported a separate, more localised power cut in Birkenhead. This incident is affecting properties within the CH43 7QS postcode.
The cause of the Birkenhead outage has not been specified, but engineers are also working to resolve this issue. The estimated time for power to be returned to this area is 3:00 PM on Thursday, slightly earlier than the projection for Wallasey.
UK Power Grid Reliability
According to the Energy Networks Association, the UK has one of the most reliable electricity networks in Europe. On average, customers experience less than one power cut per year, with an average outage duration of under an hour. However, complex faults like underground cable issues can lead to longer restoration times.
Official Statement and Advice
SP Energy Networks has been in communication with affected customers and has provided advice on how to manage during the outage. A spokesperson for the company addressed the situation and outlined the next steps.
"At this stage, we aim to have your supply restored by 02/10/2025, 15:15. We will update this message as we progress with the investigation and repair. To protect your equipment, please switch off and unplug all electrical appliances, including your boiler. We are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore your supply. For the latest updates, please visit our website www.spenergynetworks.co.uk. We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience."
Residents are strongly advised to follow the guidance to unplug electronics. This prevents potential damage from a power surge when the electricity supply is restored. It is also recommended to check on vulnerable neighbours who may need assistance during the outage.
Safety Recommendations During an Outage
- Turn Off Appliances: Unplug sensitive electronics like computers, televisions, and gaming consoles to protect them from power surges.
- Leave a Light On: Keep one light switch in the 'on' position to know immediately when power has been restored.
- Check on Neighbours: Ensure elderly or vulnerable neighbours are safe and have what they need.
- Avoid Opening Freezers: Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed as much as possible to preserve food. A full freezer will typically keep food frozen for up to 48 hours.
- Stay Informed: Use a mobile device to check the SP Energy Networks website for the latest updates on repair progress.
Full List of Affected Postcodes
The power cut has impacted a large number of streets across the CH44, CH45, and CH46 postcode areas. Residents and businesses in these locations are currently without power. The following is a complete list of postcodes provided by SP Energy Networks as being affected by the Wallasey fault.
Wallasey Area (CH44)
- CH442AD, CH442BG, CH442BH, CH442BJ, CH442BL, CH442BP, CH442BQ, CH442BY, CH442BZ, CH442DA, CH442DB, CH442DD, CH442DE, CH442DF, CH442DG, CH442DJ, CH442DL, CH442DN, CH442DP, CH442DQ, CH442DR, CH442DS, CH442DT, CH442DU, CH442DW, CH442DX, CH442DY, CH442DZ, CH442EA, CH442EB, CH442ED, CH442EE, CH442EF, CH442EG, CH442EH, CH442EJ, CH442EL, CH442EN, CH442EP, CH442EQ, CH442ER, CH442ES, CH442ET, CH442EU, CH442EW
- CH443BG, CH443BQ
Wider Wirral Area (CH45, CH46)
- CH452ER, CH453LE, CH453LX, CH454NE, CH458NY, CH458PE, CH458PF, CH458PG, CH458PL, CH458PN, CH458PP, CH458PQ, CH458PR, CH458PS, CH458PT, CH458PU, CH458PW, CH458PX, CH458QH, CH459XX
- CH462RW
Birkenhead Area (CH43)
- CH437QS
SP Energy Networks continues to provide updates through its official website and customer service channels. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to check these sources for the most current information regarding restoration times.