An investment project to boost the resilience of the Highland electricity network is under way.

Engineers from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), started work this month between Cassley and Rhiconich to upgrade and strengthen the local electricity network serving around 900 properties in Durness, Rhiconich, Kinlochbervie, Scourie, Kylesku, Achfary and Overscaig.

The £350,000 investment involves the replacement of 80 wooden electricity poles along a 42km route, installing lightning protection and connecting innovative automated equipment to speed up restoration times in the event of a power cut.

Once complete in early-September, this investment will minimise the risk of power cuts, reduce disruption in the event of a fault on the network and provide greater security of supply to local homes and businesses.

John Shanks, SSEN's Project Manager, said:

"Our priority is to provide a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to our customers, so our rolling programme of year-round investment in our network ensures it's in the best possible condition."

"As we saw a couple of weeks ago, a severe lightning storm passed through the north of Scotland, with 17,000 lightning strikes recorded in a 12-hour period. By installing lightning protection on our overhead network, we can reduce the risk of disruption to our customers' power supplies."

"We're also installing automated equipment which enables remote control of the network from our main control room, speeding up restoration times if a fault does occur on the network."

To minimise disruption to customers, SSEN is installing temporary mobile generation to keep the power flowing as the work progresses.

SSEN would like to remind customers of its Priority Services Register, which offers free additional support to those who need it most.

People can register for additional help if they:

  • Are deaf or hard of hearing
  • Have a disability
  • Live with children under five
  • Are blind or partially sighted
  • Have a chronic illness
  • Use medical equipment/aids reliant on electricity
  • Are over 60
  • Temporarily need extra support

To find out more about Priority Services, please visit ssen.co.uk/PSR or call 0800 294 3259.