Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution has issued a weather warning in preparation for another period of unsettled weather which could impact its electricity network in the north of Scotland this weekend.
SSEN's current weather model shows high wind gusts building through Friday morning, with gusts of up to 65mph expected across the West Coast, Barra and Uist through until Sunday evening. Orkney, Western Isles, North East Caithness and the Aberdeenshire coast will also see gusts of up to 55mph at times throughout the weekend.
On Sunday, significant snowfall is forecast across most mainland Scotland, with the heaviest snowfall expected in Argyll and the Highlands. The combination of warmer temperatures, heavy snowfall and continued high winds increases the risk of 'line icing', where significant snowfall accumulates on overhead power lines, freezing and causing them to break.
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 web chat service
- Following SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates
SSEN has extended its Priority Services Register to those who are categorised at 'high risk' and 'extremely high risk' of severe illness from coronavirus, so they are now eligible to sign up for additional support through the free, tailored service. This includes those following government guidelines who have received a letter from the NHS to socially shield for an extended period.
Customers are also eligible for 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.