SSEN Distribution said on 14 July 2023 that it was preparing for unsettled weather, with additional teams in place to deal with any damage to its network and subsequent faults. The company's current weather model showed the potential for wind gusts of up to 50mph, starting from Saturday lunchtime on 15 July and lasting into the early evening1.
The forecaster's wording set out both the timing and the reason for the standby arrangements:
"Due to this elevated forecast of strong winds, which brings with it the possibility of some interruptions to power supplies, we've got additional teams in place to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults which may occur."
The company asked anyone who sees damage to its equipment to stay back, not touch it, and report it directly by calling 105 or via its Power Track app, so that engineers can investigate as soon as possible1. It said customers can track the progress of any faults in their area on the Power Track map, follow planned interruptions, and find the nearest electric vehicle charge point if an electric vehicle needs charging during a power cut1. It also pointed customers to updates on its Facebook page (ssencommunity)1.
SSEN Distribution listed the groups eligible for its Priority Services Register: people who 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 or aids reliant on electricity, or are over 601. The company said registering helps it to help customers when they need it most and that all its priority services are free, with details available on 0800 294 32591.
| Item | Detail given by SSEN Distribution1 |
|---|---|
| Forecast | Wind gusts of up to 50mph |
| Timing | From Saturday lunchtime into the early evening |
| Network preparation | Additional teams in place for damage and faults |
| Emergency power cut number | 105 |
| Priority Services Register enquiries | 0800 294 3259 |
Why it matters for households
The forecast covers Saturday lunchtime into the early evening, a period when households are typically at home and using electricity. SSEN Distribution said the strong winds bring the possibility of some interruptions to power supplies, and that additional teams are in place to respond1. Households in the company's distribution area are affected; the announcement does not give a list of specific areas at risk, and no region-by-region breakdown has been reported1.
The company's stated advice is to save the emergency power cut number, 105, to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network, and to use the Power Track website for details of power cuts and restoration times and to report power cuts and network damage1. It also directs customers to the "Preparing for a power cut" section of its website and to a live webchat service with its advisors1. On damage to equipment, its advice is to stay back, not touch it, and report it by calling 105 or via the Power Track app1.
For households that may need extra support during a cut, the Priority Services Register is free and open to the groups listed above, including people over 60 and those using medical equipment reliant on electricity1. Further background on how storms affect overhead supplies and on preparing a home for a loss of supply is set out in the guides on storms and the electricity network and getting your home ready for a loss of supply; the Priority Services Register guide covers who can join and what it provides, and the power cuts hub and the guide to why the electricity goes off cover causes and general preparation.
What happens next
The windy period was forecast to run from Saturday lunchtime into the early evening on 15 July 20231. SSEN Distribution said engineers would investigate reported damage as soon as possible and that updates would be posted on its Facebook page, with fault progress tracked on the Power Track map1. No further forecast or update beyond the 14 July announcement has been reported.
Storms and the Electricity Grid
Getting Ready for a Power Cut
