Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution moved to Weather Warning status on 7 February 2023 in preparation for a period of unsettled weather forecast to affect the north of Scotland from Wednesday afternoon into later that evening1. The network operator said its weather model showed the potential for severe gales on the Western Isles from around Wednesday lunchtime, with strong winds then forecast across the Highlands as the front tracked east1.
SSEN said winds could reach potentially up to 70mph in exposed and coastal areas1. In preparation it had enacted what it described as its well-established resilience plans, increasing and moving additional resources to key locations in anticipation of any potential damage to the electricity network1. Its customer service teams were proactively contacting customers on the Priority Services Register to offer additional advice and support1. SSEN said it would continue to monitor weather forecasts and provide updates if the situation changed1.
"We are urging people not to approach any damaged equipment"
SSEN asked anyone who sees damage to the network to report it by calling 105 or via its Power Track App, adding that engineers would investigate as soon as possible1. It also encouraged customers to be prepared for the possibility of disruption to supplies by saving the emergency power cut number, 105, to their phone; downloading the Power Track app for details of power cuts and restoration times and to report power cuts and network damage; visiting its website for advice on preparing for a possible loss of power; and following its social media accounts for updates1.
The Priority Services Register (PSR) provides extra help and support during a power cut1. SSEN lists the following groups as eligible for its free priority services1:
| Eligible for SSEN priority services |
|---|
| Deaf or hard of hearing |
| Have a disability |
| Live with children under five |
| Blind or partially sighted |
| Have a chronic illness |
| Use medical equipment or aids reliant on electricity |
| Over 60 |
| Temporarily need extra support |
SSEN directed customers to its PSR pages or to 0800 294 3259 for more information1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers the north of Scotland, with the Western Isles expected to see the strongest winds from around Wednesday lunchtime and the Highlands affected as the weather front moves east1. Households in these areas could see disruption to electricity supplies if the network is damaged, which is why SSEN moved additional resources into key locations in advance1. Customers on the Priority Services Register were being contacted directly with additional advice and support1. SSEN's stated advice was not to approach any damaged equipment and to report it on 105 or through the Power Track app1. Households can read more on storms and the electricity network, on the Priority Services Register and on council help in severe weather.
What happens next
SSEN said it would continue to monitor weather forecasts and provide updates if the situation changed1. No further dated steps have been reported.
Storms and the Electricity Grid
