Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has today issued a Weather Warning in preparation for a period of unsettled weather which could impact its electricity network in the north of Scotland on Thursday and Friday this week.

SSEN's current weather model shows isolated thundery showers from midday on Thursday in Tayside, Argyll and the North-West Highlands, with a thunderstorm approaching from the south into Argyll from 6pm. Frequent lightning, heavy rain and hail are expected, peaking between midnight and 4am on Friday morning. Thunderstorms will continue throughout the course of the day on Friday, affecting western areas of Scotland.

In preparation, SSEN has enacted its well-established resilience plans, increasing its standby resources in anticipation of potential damage to its network. SSEN would like to reassure its customers that while you may see increased activity from its teams in your local areas over the next few days, engineers will be working in accordance with Government coronavirus guidance, adhering to strict social distancing measures to ensure the safety of the local community as they work.

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 during a power cut. People can qualify for the PSR if they:

  • Are shielding during the coronavirus pandemic
  • 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

To find out more about the PSR, click here or call 0800 294 3259.