Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is preparing for a period of adverse weather that may cause disruption to supplies across its central southern England and north of Scotland electricity distribution networks throughout the course of tomorrow (Wednesday).

SSEN's current weather models show a period of strong-to gale-force winds from the early hours of Wednesday morning through to midday across SSEN's central southern England network region, with wind gusts of up to 60mph predicted both inland and in coastal areas.

Adverse weather is also forecast to affect SSEN's electricity network in the north of Scotland, with wind gusts of in excess of 70mph possible in parts of the Highlands and Islands from around 6am on Wednesday morning through to tomorrow afternoon. There is also an increased risk of thunderstorms and frequent lightning, particularly along the west and north-west of the region.

Wind gusts, combined with the risk of lightning, could result in damage to overhead lines and other network infrastructure.

SSEN would like to reassure its customers it continues to closely monitor the weather and is well prepared and resourced to respond promptly to any damage to its network, where it is safe to do so.

Resources and equipment, such as mobile generation units, are being moved to areas expected to be impacted and proactive contact is being made to customers registered on SSEN's Priority Service Register to warn them of potential disruption and offer extra support, where required.

Additional teams are on standby and SSEN is also encouraging its customers to be prepared by:

  • Saving the 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 website where there is a wealth of advice and information on how to deal with a power cut
  • Following SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates

Customers can also register for our Priority Service 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 08 00 294 3259.