SSEN works to restore power to over 18,000 affected properties
Teams from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution are working hard to restore power to properties in the north of Scotland impacted by the full force of Storm Gerrit.
From early this morning, sustained storm-force winds moved across from Argyll and the southern Highlands before impacting the Angus and Aberdeenshire coast and inland areas across the north-east.
Wind gusts, non-prevailing in nature, have approached 80mph in coastal areas with even stronger gusts on higher ground. These high winds, coupled with heavy rain and snow, has led to damage on the electricity network by fallen trees, branches, and other debris.
As of 4.30pm today, supplies have been successfully restored to almost 8500 properties, with over 18,500 properties currently off supply, mainly from faults this afternoon.
As Storm Gerrit continues to track up the east coast of Scotland, further disruption is expected with a Met Office yellow warning in place for Shetland until 0600 on Thursday morning.
SSEN expects its teams to make significant progress in restoring power to customers today through automatic switching - or re-routing of the network - and network repairs.
However, due to the widespread extent of the damage, ongoing adverse weather conditions, and challenges accessing faults due to fallen trees and road closures, full network restoration will take time.
Some customers in rural areas may be off supply for up to 48 hours.
SSEN will be contacting vulnerable customers who could be without power for a longer period to help them make suitable alternative arrangements.
As teams of engineers continue to assess the full extent of the damage, updated times of restoration will be provided to all customers as soon as possible. This will allow those who are likely to remain off supply for a longer period to consider making alternative arrangements, where possible.
Andy Smith, Operations Director at SSEN Distribution, said: “We’ve been preparing for Storm Gerrit for several days and our teams, bolstered by additional line crews, have been out since first thing this morning in challenging conditions to restore power to our customers.
“Our teams are making good progress, reconnecting almost 8500 homes, but ongoing adverse weather conditions and challenges with road access, means it will take time to complete all repairs.
"Some customers in rural areas where there are multiple points of damage, may be without power until Friday.
“I’d like to reassure our customers we are doing everything we can to restore power as quickly as possible and are working closely with resilience partners to support welfare response.
"I’d also encourage anyone who may need additional support to contact our dedicated teams on the power cut helpline, 105.”
