Dozens of businesses were forced to close due to a power cut.
Shops along the High Street in Braintree lost power between 1.30pm and 2pm.
Many stores, including Costa, Kaspas and Savers were unable to serve people coming through their doors.
Mark Adams, manager at Kaspas said: "We are having to turn customers away.
"We can't get into our tills or serve a lot of hot drinks like coffee.
"Some of our ice cream is already starting to melt. The stuff in the main freezer probably has about five hours before that will start to go as well.
"It is a pain but there isn't much we can do."
Manses continued to trade despite the problems.
One staff members said: "It's a real pain. We can keep serving food until it goes cold.
"But that will be a real waste if we have to throw it away."
UK Power Networks estimates more than 900 people have been affected by the shortage.
The company believe the power cut has been cased by an underground electricity cable which has faulted a high voltage network.
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