As of 4pm, there were 2,062 residents without power, down from last night’s 2,816. The numbers are expected to decline further into this evening.

Belco estimates the job could be finished completely by early next weekend — and pledged to finish ahead of target if possible, although challenges such as pole fires could delay work.

Many have been in the dark since Tropical Storm Fay on October 12, as well as others who lost electricity during Hurricane Gonzalo, which struck more than a week ago.

However, two thirds of customers whose lights went out during Fay have had their power reconnected.

“Today, we will continue to prioritise restoration of commercial customers, including those that have been without power since TS Fay, and the small branch lines with TS Fay residential customers,” a company spokeswoman said. “We will also continue to address customers with medical requirements and crews will be tackling quick fixes where they can.”

Devonshire remains the worst-hit parish, with 378 out of power, followed by 359 in Warwick, 271 in Smith’s, 285 in Pembroke, 206 in Southampton, 201 in Paget, 185 in Hamilton, 142 in St George’s, and 35 in Sandys.

To give a picture of how today’s progress has gone, earlier it was 633 out of power in Devonshire, followed by 429 in Warwick, 383 in Smith’s, 372 in Pembroke, 326 in Southampton, 232 in Hamilton, 197 in St George’s, 196 in Paget and 49 in Sandys.

Devonshire has seen a substantial reduction throughout the day, while Paget’s numbers have incrementally worsened. From time to time, crews have to switch off circuits as they restore power.

“We understand how frustrating the restoration process can be — especially for those customers who have been without power longest,” the spokeswoman said.

“We know that it is difficult to cope when you are without proper lighting, showers and electric appliances. We can only assure you that the team planning the restoration work for each day, and our crews carrying out the work are doing so as safely, efficiently and quickly as possible to help everyone in Bermuda return to normal after unprecedented, back-to-back storms.”

Today’s priority areas were listed as Claytown, Cottage Hill, the Crawl/Dub City area, Jennings Land, John Smith’s Bay, Ramgoat Hill, Knapton Hill, Blucks Point, Second and Third Avenue off Shelton Road, Woodbourne Crescent, Twin Lane, Grape Bay Drive, Spring Hill in Warwick, Easting Lane, Point Shares Road, Woodlands Road, Khyber Pass, Pearman’s Hill, the Tribe Road at Camp Hill, Paddock Drive, Wreck Road, Heydon Gardens, Ord Road, Chaingate Hill, Harbour Road by the Dinghy Club and Valley Road, Watlington Road West, Hibiscus Lane and Jones Lane near Darrell’s Wharf.