Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is preparing for a period of wintry weather that may cause disruption to supplies across its central southern England and north of Scotland electricity distribution networks throughout the course of the week.
SSEN's current weather models show a prolonged period of sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow fall forecast to impact much of the country throughout the week ahead, with areas along the eastern part of the country predicted to be worst affected.A period of high winds is also forecast to impact SSEN's central southern England network throughout the course of the week, with gusts of up to 50mph likely throughout the day on Thursday and into Friday.
The combination and prolonged nature of the weather that is forecast to impact much of the country 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 Services Register to warn them of potential disruption and offer extra support, where required. SSEN would encourage its customers to check on the welfare of neighbours and family members, particularly in the event of customers being house bound due to the extent of snow that is forecast to fall in some locations, which may cut off some isolated communities.
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 - the Powertrack app can also be used to send pictures and locations of suspected damage to the electricity network
- 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 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.
All non-essential work, including planned supply interruptions, has been cancelled from Wednesday 28 February to Friday 2 February in SSEN's north of Scotland region; and from Thursday 1 March to Friday 2 March in SSEN's central southern England region. This is to maximise staff availability for customer restorations and network repairs.
SSEN will be contacting customers with a new date if their electricity supply was due to be affected.