Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is asking its customers and members of communities in the north of Scotland and central southern England to report any damage they see to the electricity network and to stay safe around fallen or damaged power lines.
This call comes after a damaged wooden electricity pole was discovered on a road near Drumrossie Home Farm, Insch earlier this month. As engineers investigated the cause of the fallen power line, it became apparent that it had been struck by a vehicle.
The pole and associated wires had been damaged but not reported by a third party and had become an obvious hazard to other road users. Luckily a member of the public contacted SSEN's customer contact centre and the incident was dealt with accordingly.
Neil Wilson, Head of Region at SSEN said: "We were very lucky that one of our customers reported this incident to us as the consequences could have been extremely serious had we not been informed. We are taught from a young age that electricity can be dangerous, but the hazards are not always easy to see. Even lines operating at low voltages can prove fatal in these circumstances and we are urging our communities to be vigilant and report damage as soon as possible."
"A common misconception about electricity is that you have to touch the power line or equipment for it to cause injury. We want to make sure our customers know not to approach damaged or fallen power lines, stay safe by keeping a good distance away, and to report the incident immediately so our engineers can safely protect our communities."
Sgt David Blackwood of Police Scotland said: "Failing to stop and report a collision is a serious offence and in this case could have resulted in tragic consequences. Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident which is thought to have happened on 10 January to contact police on 101.
"Should you come across such an incident which appears not to have been reported to the police, call 101 as soon as it is safe to do so."
SSEN's customers can call national helpline 105 to report power cuts as well as report damage to electricity power lines, substations or equipment that could put themselves, or someone else, in danger.
If it is a safety emergency, customers are urged to dial 999 and ask for the police who will contact SSEN directly.
Things to look out for:
- Damaged or fallen power lines
- Damage or interference with electricity substations
- Vehicles or construction activities too close to power lines
- Damaged or exposed electricity cables
- Trees too close to power lines or substations
For more information, visit ssen.co.uk/safety/.