Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has this morning returned to business as usual following Storm Francis, and a prolonged period of high winds across its central southern England electricity network.

SSEN's engineers worked in challenging conditions to restoring power to over 26,000 homesaffected by Storm Francis. Central southern England experienced high winds and rain throughout Tuesday, with wind gusts in excess of 70mph along coastal areas, and up to 55mph inland. Investment in network resilience, and hard-working, dedicated staff successfully minimized Storm Francis' impact on the network.

Eliane Algaard, SSEN's Operations Director, Distribution South, paid tribute to SSEN's engineers and staff who worked in challenging conditions to bring customers back to power:"Storm Francis presented a significant challenge, and I am proud that our staff rose to it so effectively. Our engineers, working in high winds and heavy rainfall, restored supplies to our customers as safely and quickly as possible and I would like to thank them for their sterling efforts, and our customers for their patience, support and understanding.

"We enacted our well-established resilience plans in response to Storm Francis and worked round the clock to restore power. Ifany of our customers or stakeholders are concerned about the potential disruption to supplies, particularly those who may need extra support during a power cut, I would encourage them to call us on 105 where our dedicated teams are available to help."

Customers are encouraged uring adverse weather to be prepared for the possibility of disruption to power supplies by:

  • Saving the free-to-dial 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
  • Going to SSEN's website where there is a wealth of advice and information on how to prepare for a possible loss of power
  • 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
  • Have a disability
  • 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.