24 December 2008
Work is continuing to restore gas supplies to 18,000 homes in Lancashire who lost their power following an explosion in the area.
Engineers have been working throughout the night and are hopeful that all of those affected with have their supplies back in time for Christmas Day, the BBC reports. Gas has already been restored to 4,000 homes overnight.
Approximately 300 National Grid engineers are working to reconnect customers and will need to gain entry to each individual home in order to do so.
Director of operations Jon Butterworth said: "We apologise for the inconvenience this incident has caused to local people and thank them for their patience and co-operation."
Supplies were cut on Monday when a gas main ruptured and set light to an overhead power cable in Rawtenstall, affecting homes across the Rossendale area of Lancashire.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Energy Retail Association has told the Daily Express that he believes the conditions are right for a cut in gas and electricity prices in the new year.
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