Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has issued a weather warning in preparation for a period of wet and windy weather this weekend that could impact its electricity network in central southern England. Wind gusts of around 60mph are predicted throughout Saturday 16 March, both on the coast and inland.

The combination of prolonged winds and heavy rain, which risks the stability of ground conditions, may result in damage to SSEN's electricity network as result of wind-blown debris, fallen trees and branches.

In preparation for these conditions, SSEN has enacted its well-established resilience plans across both its network regions, increasing its standby resources in anticipation of potential damage.

Preparations also include moving teams and resources, including mobile generation to assist with restoration times, to the areas expected to be worst affected. SSEN's teams are also proactively contacting customers on its Priority Services Register to offer extra assistance where required and are liaising with local resilience partners to help coordinate efforts to prepare for potential supply interruptions.

SSEN is urging people to not 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.