Teams from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) continue to make good progress reconnecting the final remaining homes impacted by Storm Aiden.

Over the course of the weekend, SSEN has successfully restored power to around 30,000 properties across the north of Scotland. As of 9.30pm on Sunday evening, around 250 properties remain without power in the Highlands and Orkney.

SSEN engineers will continue to work late into the night to restore power to the final remaining homes as the weather front heads north and wind speeds return to low levels.

As forecast, storm force winds and heavy rain impacted much of the country from the early hours of Saturday morning as Storm Aiden tracked across the country, causing damage to overhead power lines. Gusts of 80mph were recorded in exposed locations, with 70mph across inland areas.

Mark Rough, Director of Customer Operations at SSEN, said:

"Despite the sustained challenging weather conditions experienced this weekend, our teams continue to make good progress in restoring power to the final remaining properties following the impact of Storm Aiden."

"Although weather conditions are easing, I'd continue to encourage anyone concerned about further potential disruption to supplies for themselves or others, particularly family members or neighbours who may need extra support, to get in touch with our teams by calling 105."

In preparation for Storm Aiden, SSEN enacted its well-established resilience plans, increasing its resources in anticipation of potential damage to its network, moving teams of engineers and equipment to the areas expected to be impacted.

Its customer service teams proactively called 54,000 customers registered on the Priority Services Register, to offer additional support, where required.

While weather conditions are expected to settle overnight, customers are being encouraged to be prepared for future weather events by:

  • Saving the emergency power cut number '105' to your phone to report power cuts 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 are eligible for SSEN's Priority Services Register 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
  • Are categorised at 'high risk' or 'extremely high risk' of severe illness from coronavirus

For more information on the Priority Services Register, click here or call 0800 294 3259.