We're urging everyone celebrating Guy Fawkes’ night to ensure fireworks and bonfires are kept a safe distance from our electricity infrastructure.
Setting off fireworks and having bonfires near overhead lines and substations risks damaging this vital equipment, causing power cuts for the local community, and can even lead to fatal accidents to anyone in the immediate area.
Nearby smoke, heat and fire can all damage overhead power lines, and the debris from rockets can land on substation equipment, all of which makes it important to keep these activities safely away from power infrastructure.
And so we're encouraging people who are planning on having a bonfire and setting off fireworks to inspect the area during daylight, so that overhead lines and other equipment can be safely avoided.
Jason Black, SSEN Distribution Operational Safety Manager, said:
"We want everyone to enjoy this special time of year and for their celebrations to be safe. When you're planning your bonfire or fireworks, please do so in the daylight and make a note of any electricity infrastructure nearby. Please look up and avoid having bonfires and setting off fireworks close to overhead equipment - including near overhead lines or substations.”
Customers are encouraged to report power cuts and any damage to our equipment by calling 105, the 24/7 emergency power cut number, or by reporting it via our Power Track app.
For more information on safety around power lines and electrical equipment, please visit our dedicated webpage - ssen.co.uk/safety.