From around 4am this morning, sustained storm-force winds moved across the north of Scotland, tracking further south than was forecast. The main areas impacted are Aberdeenshire, Moray and Inverness-shire with higher than predicted wind gusts of 85mph in some inland areas.
SSEN has experienced a significant number of faults on its high voltage network as a result of fallen trees, branches and windblown debris. As of 11am this morning, electricity supplies have been successfully restored to over 10,000 properties, with 30,000 properties currently off supply.
In preparation for Storm Otto, SSEN enacted its well-established resilience plans, mobilising additional teams and equipment to the main areas forecast to be impacted. Mobile generation will be deployed to support with restoration efforts and helicopters are on standby to help assess the extent of damage as soon as it is safe to fly.
As Storm Otto continues to track across the north of Scotland, further disruption is possible throughout the course of the morning as the storm moves out into the North Sea, with wind speeds forecast to subside from around midday.
SSEN expects its teams to make significant progress in restoring power to customers today but due to the widespread extent of the damage, continued adverse weather conditions and challenges accessing faults due to fallen trees and road closures, full restoration of customers will extend into the weekend, with some customers in rural areas to be off supply for more than 48 hours.
As teams of engineers continue to assess the full extent of the damage, updated times of restoration will be provided to all customers off supply from early afternoon today. This will allow those who are likely to remain off supply for a prolonged period to consider making alternative arrangements.
SSEN recognises the impact this may have on customers and continues to work closely with local resilience partners to coordinate welfare arrangements and identify customers who may need additional support. SSEN has proactively contacted over 130,000 customers on our Priority Services Register and is calling those in the highest categories of vulnerability to check on their welfare and provide additional support and guidance.
Mark Rough, Operations Director at SSEN Distribution, said:
“Following the significant and continued impact of Storm Otto on our electricity distribution network in the north of Scotland, our engineers have been out since first light this morning to restore power to our customers.
“Despite the widespread nature of the storm, coupled with ongoing adverse weather conditions and challenges with access, our teams have made good progress restoring power to homes impacted. With wind speeds expected to subside from around midday, we expect to make significant progress throughout the course of today.
“However, due to the extent of damage, some customers are likely to remain off supply for over 48 hours. We’re working closely with our resilience partners to support local efforts as our teams work to reconnect supplies across our network area.
“I’d like to reassure our customers we’re doing everything we can to restore power as quickly as possible. I’d encourage anyone who may need additional support to contact our dedicated teams on the power cut helpline, 105.”
The next update will be provided this afternoon.
Advice for customers
We are urging people not to approach any damaged equipment and instead, to report it by calling 105 or via our Power Track App and engineers will investigate as soon as possible.
Customers are also being encouraged to be prepared for the possibility of ongoing disruption to supplies by:
- Saving the emergency power cut number – 105 – to your phone to use if your power goes off, or if you see any 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
- Following SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates
Priority Services Register
SSEN’s Priority Services Register (PSR) provides extra help and support during a power cut. Customers are eligible for our free priority services 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
- Temporarily need extra support
To find out more about the PSR, click here or call 0800 294 3259.
Priority Services
