Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) remains at Weather Warning status in preparation for a period of unsettled weather which could impact the electricity network in central southern England overnight tonight (Sunday 1 November).
High winds and heavy rain are expected across SSEN's network area throughout the night until early afternoon tomorrow. Wind gusts are expected to reach speeds of around 60mph along coastal areas and 55mph inland.
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, 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 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
In addition, SSEN's customer service teams are proactively contacting customers on the Priority Services Register to offer extra assistance, where required.
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.