ENGINEERS are still working to restore nearly 2,000 homes across Dorset and the New Forest without power.

A statement from SSE – Scottish and Southern Energy – this afternoon said more than 19,000 customers across their network are still without power.

Engineers have been working since 6am to get everyone back on but it is possible that many won’t have power until Boxing Day, the Energy Network Association have said.

In Bournemouth, 380 people are still without power, with 96 in Poole and 1,350 in the New Forest.

A spokesperson for SSE said in their statement at 11.45am on Christmas Day: “Affected areas are mainly rural in nature.

“We had staff in the field overnight switching round networks to locate faults in preparation for later repair.

“We are out calling vulnerable customers providing help and assistance where required and have over 50 people taking calls. We have received over 3000 calls so far today.

“Our mobile generation fleet, supplemented by sets from our contractors, is being deployed as circumstances allow.

“We continue to liaise with Local Authority Strategic Coordinating Groups to ensure vulnerable customers are cared for and kept informed.

“We are offering to reimburse customers for hot meals who are still off supply.”