Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has today issued a Weather Alert in preparation for a period of bad weather that is forecast to impact its north of Scotland network region this weekend.

SSEN's current weather model shows a period of heavy snowfall and gale- to storm-force winds from Saturday afternoon and through the evening before clearing in the early hours of Sunday morning. The snowfall is forecast to be heaviest in parts of Argyll and Perthshire, where 10-30cm is expected. The strongest winds will be in Aberdeenshire, Moray, Caithness, Orkney and Shetland, where gusts of up to 70mph are forecast.

In addition, a risk of lightning will also be present, along with a potential for 'line icing' where significant levels of snow and ice accumulates on overhead lines, causing them to break.

This combination of weather conditions has the potential to result in damage to SSEN's overhead line network through fallen trees and wind-born debris, leading to some interruptions to supplies. Repairs may be delayed in areas where the snowfall is heaviest, due to blocked roads and other access issues.

In preparation, SSEN has enacted its well-established resilience plans, increasing its standby resources in anticipation of potential damage. SSEN is proactively contacting customers on its Priority Services Register to offer extra assistance where required and is liaising with local resilience partners to help coordinate efforts and ensure that everyone is prepared for any interruption to supplies should they occur.

Dale Cargill, Director of Customer Operations said:

"I would like to reassure our customers we are well prepared for the heavy snow and high winds forecast for this weekend and are increasing our resources accordingly. Our tried and tested resilience plans have been activated and we stand ready to respond promptly to any damage to our network this bad weather may bring. I would encourage anyone concerned about the potential disruption to supplies for themselves or others, particularly family members or neighbours who may need extra support, to give our teams a call on 105."

SSEN is also encouraging its customers not to approach any damage to its equipment and instead, report it to SSEN by calling 105 or via its Power Track App and engineers will investigate as soon as possible.

Customers are also being encouraged to be prepared for the possibility of disruption to supplies by:

  • Saving the emergency power cut number '105' to your phone to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network
  • Downloading SSEN's Power Track app to give you details of power cuts and restoration times. You can also report power cuts and network damage through the Power Track app
  • Going to SSEN's website where there is a wealth of advice and information on how to deal with a power cut, or to chat live to one of SSEN's advisors via its Webchat service
  • Following SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates

Customers can register for SSEN's Priority Services Register (PSR) if they require extra assistance. People can qualify for the PSR if they:

  • Are dependent on electricity for home medical care
  • Have a chronic illness or short term medical condition
  • Are disabled
  • Have special communication needs
  • Have children under the age of five
  • Are over the age of 60

To find out more about the PSR, click here or call 0800 294 3259.