Evans said the number of empty and inaccessible second-homes in Salcombe had slowed down the process of restoring gas supplies.
“We’re really hoping today is going to be the big switch-on,” he said.
“Wales and West need access to properties to check on things and there has been a really big push by them and by us to get access by contacting second home owners, agents, neighbours, to do that.
“If at all possible for residents, can they make sure that somebody is going to be at home to let Wales and West in.”
He said a lot of lessons had been learned following the incident, including the importance of better communication with second-homeowners and the use of alternative gas options, such as heat pumps.