Heathrow powers up free gadget recharging

The Power Poles can charge up to eight devices at a time

Heathrow Airport is giving a helping hand to business travellers and media junkies with the introduction of 47 power hubs dotted around the airport, allowing travellers to recharge their electronic devices for free.

The Power Poles cost Heathrow owner BAA over £300,000 to develop, produce and install. Each unit can charge up to eight devices at a time, allowing businessmen to keep their laptop, BlackBerry and electric shaver all topped up.

The facilities are available only in terminals one and three at this stage, but will soon be available in terminal four, according to BAA.

Passengers killing time in terminals two or five will have to find another power source for the foreseeable future, as terminal two is closing soon and terminal five is still being surveyed for suitability.

The Power Poles are installed in the departure lounges, so those waiting for friends and family to arrive will have to find another way to conserve power.

"The simplest of ideas are often the best and we are confident that the Power Poles will provide an effective cost-free solution to a genuine problem, which will ultimately make our passengers' airport experience more enjoyable," said Juan Perez, head of media and sponsorship at BAA.

Samsung is sponsoring the Power Poles, which feature branding and showcase the company's latest electronic devices.