A MAN whose home was without power for three days during the recent major power cut claims the power company failed to install proper security.

Dave Coles, 55, an IT consultant of Stuart Evans Close, Welling, has been in extensive correspondence with EDF Energy ever since damage to four major electricity cables plunged nearly 100,000 people into darkness for up to three days in July.

The cables were carried across Dartford Creek on a bridge and the site was protected by padlocked steel gates, whose padlocks were chiseled off by intruders.

Mr Coles said he was surprised there was not better security, such as CCTV or intruder alarms at the site, especially as there is no back-up power supply at this point in the system, in case of any electricity failure.

He said: “My local supermarket has better security.”

And Mr Coles claims EDF has a state-of-the-art security system but chose not to use it at its Dartford site.

Bob Lane, the company’s director of network operations, has told Mr Coles it was not possible for EDF to to provide continuous surveillance and guaranteed security at all of its locations.

He said the bridge was originally built and owned by the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) and adopted by EDF when the CEGB was dissolved in the 1990s.

Mr Lane explained: “Since then, EDF Energy has increased the locking from a single point to three points and has included regular inspections.”

EDF says it is now reviewing security, paying special attention to the Dartford site, and has been liaising with the Met Police’s counter terrorism security advisor.

But Mr Coles says EDF was offered a solution to security at Dartford and other isolated sites last year, using EDF’s own existing security infrastructure.

Using Eye-IP technology, EDF can transmit live video footage via mobile CCTV cameras to EDF’s central control in Bexleyheath and to off-site laptops and mobile handsets for key personnel.

The quality of the footage is good enough to be used as evidence in court.

But despite EDF commissioning the system from Integrated Security Systems in January last year, EDF did not make it available at Dartford.

An EDF spokeswoman said: "There was security protection at this site which included locked solid steel doors at either end of the bridge.

"It appears these locks were broken off with heavy duty tools and a deliberate fire was set." She added: "We currently have round the clock security at the site and are reviewing security arrangements.

"It would be inappropriate to detail what additional security measures may be put in place here or at any of our sites, but we would stress that public safety and security is a top priority."