Some good points there Perryman
I guess we will never know the real truth *sigh*

seeformiles - the Horniman clock was showing 10:55 when I passed it earlier (about 7:30pm ish) so not sure if that is any help? (it might have been showing a different time, earlier in the day, after the power-out)

Yes, and the bit stating
"We are now able to access most of the site and are working to restore supplies to remaining customers as quickly as possible." he said. - really does not tally with what my neighbour said, but .......................... oh well

LOL yes, hopefully this event/story, will be exposed better tomorrow (I read elsewhere that BBC London News will be highlighting it tomorrow (?) - hope so, but a bit late then, yes? lol) and your excuse will be better believed than the "my dog ate my homework" one.
Seriously, I hope you manage, somehow, to get the coursework in ok, soon.