Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is preparing for a period of wet and windy weather this week which could impact its electricity networks in the north of Scotland and central southern England. The weather front has been officially named as Storm Gareth by the Irish Met Office.

In its north of Scotland network region, SSEN's current weather model shows a period of strong winds and heavy rain across the region from Tuesday afternoon. Winds are expected to peak throughout the evening and overnight into Wednesday, with gusts of up to 75mph predicted in the Argyll, Arran, the Western Isles and the West Highlands. The Moray Firth is also expected to experience gusts of up to 55mph across the same period. Lightning strikes are also forecast across the north of Scotland.

The combination of weather conditions may result in damage to SSEN's electricity networks as result of wind-blown debris, fallen trees and branches and direct lightning strikes to electricity infrastructure. In anticipation of potential disruption to customer supplies, SSEN has this morning issued a weather warning for its north of Scotland network region.

In SSEN's central southern England network region, a period of strong winds and heavy rain are also forecast across to impact the region throughout the week. Wind gusts of up to 55mph are predicted, with exposed coastal areas the main areas likely to be affected.

In preparation for Storm Gareth, 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.