Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has safely restored power to 15,000 customers across its north of Scotland region as it continues to respond to the impact of Storm Deirdre.

From Saturday lunchtime to this morning, persistent gale-force winds and heavy sleet and snow have impacted the north of Scotland, tracking across SSEN's network region. The worst of the conditions were seen in Aberdeenshire, Perthshire and Moray with gusts in excess of 70mph recorded.

As of 10.30am, 1,900 homes remain without power, mainly in rural Aberdeenshire and the Perthshire glens, where multiple points of damage to the network have been identified. Helicopter line patrols have been deployed to fully assess damage and any issues with access.

With wind speeds now subsiding and conditions clearing in most areas, SSEN engineers continue to make progress in challenging conditions and are working hard to restore power to all homes through the course of today.

SSEN's Customer Contact Centre is proactively contacting customers currently off supply to advise them of the situation and offer extra support where possible. In addition, welfare facilities serving free hot food and drinks are located in the following areas:

  • Catering van opposite Bellabeg shop, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire
  • Dunalistair Hotel, 1 The Square, Kinloch Rannoch,
  • Bancar Hotel, Fraserburgh, AB43 8RL
  • Catering unit on way to Old Spittal Hotel Glenshee from 1pm
  • No 44 Hotel & Bar, 44 Allardice Street, Stonehaven.
  • Strathardle Inn, Kirkmichael, PH10 7NS serving lunch 12.30 - 14.30 and dinner from 17:00 -19:00 (for customers in the Dulruzion area).

SSEN has been tracking the weather for a number of days in preparation for Storm Deirdre and has enacted its well-established resilience plans. Preparations have included increasing standby resources and moving people and equipment to areas in anticipation of potential damage. The network operator also proactively contacted over 6,000 customers signed up to its Priority Service Register to warn of potential interruptions and offer extra help and support.

Dale Cargill, Director of Customer Operations, said:

"We've now seen the worst of the impact of Storm Deirdre with high winds and heavy snowfall causing multiple points of damage on our network, particularly in Aberdeenshire and Perthshire."

"In line with our well-established resilience plans, our teams continue to make progress in very challenging conditions to restore power to customers. We would like to apologise to any customers who remain off supply and reassure them that we are well resourced and are making every effort to restore supplies through the course of today."

"If anyone is concerned about the potential disruption for themselves or others, particularly family members of neighbours who may need extra support, I would encourage them to give our teams a call on 105."

SSEN asks 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 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.