Gas engineers are actively engaged in restoring gas supplies to over 4,600 homes and businesses in the South Hams area of Devon after a significant disruption. The incident occurred on January 3, 2024, when a gas main was damaged by an external party in a field at Belle Hill, near Kingsbridge. The damage resulted in the immediate cutoff of gas services for the affected properties.
By the evening of January 4, 2024, teams from Wales and West Utilities reported that they had visited approximately 90 percent of the properties impacted by the incident. Although the main repair has been completed, the process of safely restoring gas to each individual property remains ongoing. Engineers must visit each location twice: the first visit to turn off the gas supply, and the second to restore service and relight appliances once the network is deemed secure.
Challenges in Restoration Efforts
The presence of empty second homes in the region, particularly in the Salcombe area, has complicated the restoration process. Many of these properties have limited access, which has affected the speed at which engineers can perform their work. A spokesperson for Wales and West Utilities provided an update on the ongoing efforts, emphasizing the commitment of the teams involved.
“Since early this morning on January 6, our teams have been working tirelessly to restore supplies to customers impacted by the third-party damage caused to our gas main near Kingsbridge,” the spokesperson stated. “We currently have over 100 engineers, many of whom have been brought in from other areas within our network, working diligently to restore gas supplies as quickly as possible.”
As of January 6, teams are actively working in both Kingsbridge and Salcombe to address the remaining properties without gas. The spokesperson noted the cooperation of residents, stating, “We have been greatly assisted by the fact that a lot of people have been at their properties to grant us access, which has enabled us to make good progress.”
Looking Ahead
Engineers plan to continue their work late into the evening, focusing on restoring supplies to as many properties as possible. The utility company has expressed appreciation for the patience of residents as they navigate this complex restoration process. The commitment of the engineers and the support from the community are crucial as efforts continue to fully restore gas service to all affected homes and businesses.
Residents can follow the live updates on the situation through the utility’s official channels.
