A power cut has left hundreds of properties without power in central parts of Ryde this evening (Saturday).
It was just before 18:00 that the power dropped for more than 600 customers in the PO33 2 and PO33 3 areas of Ryde town.
Households in other parts of Ryde – and further afield in towns such as Shanklin – reported a flickering of the lights at the same time.
The loss of supply has led to the fire alarm being activated at the BT Telephone Exchange in Ryde, with backup generators kicking into action. This has prompted a response from Ryde firefighters.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks are already on scene in the vicinity of West Street, working to restore electricity supplies to affected customers.
Power is starting to return to homes and businesses, with an estimated restoration time of 23:00 for others.
For further information about this power cut call the dedicated helpline by dialling 105.
Alternatively, you can send SSEN a message on Facebook or Twitter (@ssencommunity).
App: Did you know SSEN also have a mobile phone app where you can report, locate, track and subscribe to faults in your area?
The shared EE/Three mast on top of Ryde exchange, which covers most of the town, has still not recovered since the power cut. Voice and data services are currently unavailable.This is especially worrying given the loss of traditional exchange powered landlines as we move to fibre broadband, where mobiles are often presented as an emergency fallback.