straining under increased loads as residents tried to warm up.

A Belco spokeswoman explained the outages were spread throughout the Island as branch lines went out early in the evening.

The spokeswoman said: "We have had a number of calls from different parts of the Island. While we have not lost any circuits, the problem we have been having is with the branch lines.

"Because of the cold weather, people have been turning on heaters and this has been stressing certain sections of our network. We are aware of these problems and we are making this a priority until the weather improves.

"Belco has spent a lot of time refurbishing the circuits and now we will be turning our attention to the low voltage and branch lines (which are in neighbourhoods).

"While we do acknowledge that doesn't help people tonight,'' she added. "Our people will be working on this until (power is restored).'' The New Year cold snap continued yesterday as temperatures plummeted to a low of 51 degrees Fahrenheit, tying the record for January 4.

It is expected to warm up today to a high of 68 and a low of 57.