SSEN has moved to Yellow Alert forits north of Scotland network area inpreparation for high winds, lightning and snow forecast from this evening (Thursday 12 January) and overnight into tomorrow (Friday 13 January).

Our weather models anticipate widespread high winds across the north of Scotland, in particular Moray, Aberdeenshire and Central Highlands where gusts of up to 75mph are forecast. It is expected the high winds will be accompanied by heavy snow and risk of lightning across the area.

Due to the combination of weather conditions it is anticipated there will be disruption to power supplies. In response, we have increased the levels of frontline and support staff and are moving engineers, equipment and welfare facilities to the areas that may be impacted.

  • 750 frontline and support staff and an additional 100 contractors are on hand to respond quickly to faults, where it is safe to do so
  • Additionalmobile generation units have been strategically positioned to help restore power in the event of faults to the network
  • Welfare vans are available and ready to be deployed to affected areas, should they be required
  • Outbound calls being made to over 1,000 customers on our Priority Service Register to assess needs and offer extra assistance, where required
  • Additional 4x4 vehicles are on hand to assist with access issues from heavy snowfall

Dale Cargill, Director of Customer Operations for SSEN, said:

"We have been tracking the weather for a number of days and our well established contingency plans are in place. Whilst the wind speeds and the directionof the winds combined with the heavy snow forecastcould lead toa risk of damage to our network and disruption to supplies. With over 850 frontline and support staff on hand we are well prepared to respond quickly to disruption to supplies, where it is safe to do so."

"Any customers who do suffer a loss of power can contact us on the new national power cut helpline '105' where they can also advise if they require extra support from our priority service."

Customers can prepare for possible disruption to power supplies by:

  • Saving the new emergency power cut number '105' to your phone to use if your power goes off, or if you see any damage to the electricity network.
  • Downloading SSEN's Power Track app to give you details of power cuts and restoration times.
  • Going to SSEN's Ready For Winter pages where there is a wealth of advice and information on how to prepare for a possible loss of power.
  • Following SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates
  • If people require extra help or assistance people can sign up to our Priority Service Register team. To find out more click here or call 0800 294 3259

Members of the public should not approach fallen or damaged power lines, as they may still be live.