Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is investing £409,000 to upgrade the electricity network serving Rhiconich, Scourie and Kylesku in Sutherland.
Engineers started major work this month to strengthen the existing circuit from Rhiconich to Kylesku, replacing wooden electricity poles, installing lightning protection, replacing a section of electricity cable and installing automated equipment to speed up restoration times in the event of a power cut.
This work will improve the resilience of the network, minimising the risk of power cuts and providing greater security of supply to homes and businesses in the area.
The programme of works is expected to take around 11 weeks to complete. Engineers will use mobile generators to maintain power supplies to local businesses, and customers will be notified in advance of any planned interruptions to their electricity supplies as the project progresses.
Colin Pirie, Head of the Highlands and Islands region at SSEN, said:
"We invest in our infrastructure to improve and strengthen the resilience of our electricity networks to ensure we continue to deliver a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to our customers. This investment in Sutherland will upgrade the existing network, installing innovative automated equipment to help us power our communities."
"We are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum as our teams work, but I would encourage any customers in vulnerable situations who may be concerned about the impact of these works to join our Priority Services Register, where 24-hour support is available for those who need extra help."
Customers can qualify for SSEN's Priority Services Register 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
For more information on SSEN's Priority Services Register, please visit ssen.co.uk/PriorityServices, or to register call 0800 294 3259 or 0800 316 5457 to register using a text phone.