Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has this morning moved to Yellow Alert in response to continued unsettled weather conditions in the north of Scotland.

As forecast, a weather front bringing heavy rain, thunder and lightning has been tracking north overnight, with frequent lightning strikes causing disruption to power supplies in Perth, Angus and North-East Scotland.

Engineers are making good progress to restore supplies as quickly as possible. The main areas currently impacted are Perth, Dunblane and east Aberdeenshire.

Mark Macdonald, Head of Operational Support at SSEN, said:

"We'd been tracking this weather front for a number of days, and in preparation, had enacted our well-established resilience plans in anticipation of potential damage to the network. Overnight, we've experienced significant lightning strikes across the north of Scotland which have resulted in disruption to power supplies."

"I'd like to reassure our customers our engineers are doing all they can to restore power as quickly as possible and we are well resourced to respond quickly to any further disruption as the weather front moves north, where it is safe to do so."

With thunderstorms expected to track north-east until lunchtime today, customers are being encouraged to be prepared 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

SSEN is urging people not to 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 eligible for free, additional support from SSEN's Priority Services Register (PSR) 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

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