Overhead lines are being replaced across the South East

EDF Energy said it was replacing 106 miles (171km) of low-voltage overhead lines at a cost of �3.8m in 2008.

Initial work will focus on areas more vulnerable to overhead line faults, such as heavily wooded areas, spokesman Barry Hatton said.

Work is starting in Kent on 7 January to refurbish more than 17 miles (28km) of existing lines around Folkestone.

The five-week project in Stanford will increase the resilience of 11,000 volt lines to bad weather, at a cost of �1.4m, Mr Hatton said.