[traceroute66]

> not just Heathrow but also 16,000 homes

You are off by a large number. More like 62,000 customers affected (although "only" 4,800 are actually without power right now)[1].

Also that area is more than just "homes". There is a lot of heavy elecrical load commercial stuff going on in that area too.

[1]https://powertrack.ssen.co.uk/powertrack#QQ0573

[Tempest1981]

16,000 homes * 4 people per home = 64,000 customers

Could that explain it?

[churchturing]

Britain is not doing so strong economically, but we are not at the point of having the kids chip in for the electricity bill yet

[manarth]

Speak for yourself, if mine don't bring in £50 a week each from their car-wash, it's 3 days in the cell in the basement on bread and water. For all of them. They're learning the importance of contributing.