THOUSANDS of homes across Sussex are still without power several days after the county was hit by strong winds from Storm Eunice.
UK Power Networks, which manages electricity distribution across most of Sussex, confirmed that 3,000 properties in East Sussex are still facing a power outage, with 1,500 in West Sussex, three days after Storm Eunice battered the coast, causing damage and disruption.
The company saw a month's worth of faults in a day as gusts of up to 90mph hit parts of the south coast.
The firm's CEO Basil Scarsella has said that the company is working hard to get everybody back on supply as soon as possible and has offered "goodwill payments" to customers worst affected by power cuts.
However, some residents near Seaford have been told that power might not be restored until Wednesday afternoon.
People left without electricity for 24 hours will be eligible to receive £50, with an additional £70 after 48 hours and another £70 thereafter for every 12 hours without power.
Customers do not need to contact the company to receive the money, as they will contact entitled to a payment by text, email or letter in the coming days.
Mr Scarsella said: "I appreciate what a difficult time this is, for our many customers who have experienced a power cut caused by Storm Eunice, which saw record wind speeds and damage across the south-east and east of England.
"Please rest assured it's our top priority to get your power back on as quickly as we can."
The Met Office has warned of the possibility of more power failures today as Storm Franklin hits the Sussex coast with wind speeds of up to 70mph in exposed areas.
Southern Water has said that the customer impact of Storm Eunice had been minimised after mobile generators were installed across sites that didn't have backup power, as well as stockpiling bottled water for 40,000 customers at key locations.
Chief operating officer for Southern Water Lawrence Gosden said: "We've had very many sites hit by power outages but prudent pre-event mobilisation and crisis response has kept our customers served in all but a small number of places.
"Strong winds and power outages continue so continued vigilance is needed."
Those who need extra support due to power outages can access free services from UK Power Networks by calling 0800 028 4581 and asking about their Priority Services Register.
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