ANGRY electricity customers have been left counting the cost after the worst power cut for 30 years hit homes across Bexley.

Power company EDF Energy Networks says it intends to offer “goodwill payments” to the worst affected people, but this will still leave thousands of people out of pocket.

Nearly 100,000 homes were left without electricity, some for almost three days, after four major high voltage electricity cables were damaged by fire just after midday on July 20.

Police believe the damage to the cables, which run over a bridge across Dartford Creek, was probably the handiwork of thieves or vandals.

Many shops and businesses were forced to close, including banks and petrol stations.

Others affected lost fridges and freezers full of food which had to be thrown away and large numbers of people watched their tropical fish die.

Their experiences have left people very angry.

EDF has said it will not pay compensation, as the break in power was not its fault.

It has advised people to claim for losses on their household insurance.

But many people have complained the excess on their insurance is more that the cost of their losses.

And at least one man, Paul Martin, has said his home insurance will not allow claims for “livestock”, to compensate him for the loss of £3,000 worth of fish.

Bexley Council says it is reviewing its decision not to have a back-up generator in case of a major power cut, after its civic offices and other council buildings were left without electricity.

It has denied claims it had no emergency plan of action, saying its emergency control centre was open throughout the incident.

A Gold group of all the major public services, plus EDF, was set up and met regularly throughout the power cut, to set priorities and review progress.

Although Bexley claimed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable people, there have been complaints that elderly or disabled people were left to largely fend for themselves.

A council spokesman claimed: “There were no reported issues and all vulnerable people were kept safe.”

He said council staff, many of whom had “gone the extra mile” to help out in the emergency, were helped by members of the Red Cross.

He said all vulnerable people “at risk” on a daily basis were contacted, and so were care homes and care agencies.

EDF has also come under fire for the lack of security at the Dartfford cable bridge.

Its says the industrial locks on the metal security gates were cut open to gain access, but many people have asked why there were no CCTV cameras.

Bexleyheath and Crayford MP David Evennett, who met with EDF’s network director Bob Lane, yesterday is one of those asking for an urgent review of security.

Kent police are still appealing for anyone who saw anything or knows someone who has suffered suspicious burns, to call them on 01474 366091.