SSEN returns to 'Weather Warning' preparedness level in the north of Scotland

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) announced on 9 January 2026 that it is returning to its heightened "Weather Warning" level of preparedness in the north of Scotland, ahead of high winds, continued low temperatures and further snowfall forecast for Sunday and Monday¹.

The company said the latest Met Office forecasts include Yellow Weather Warnings for snow and ice for most of the period through to Sunday afternoon, covering most of mainland Scotland¹. Wind gusts of up to 65mph are forecast widely across the north of Scotland on Sunday and Monday¹. SSEN said these high winds, combined with likely fresh snow and sleet showers, could result in "line icing", which can affect the operation of overhead power lines for a time¹. The forecast drop in temperatures means the accumulated snow of the past week is likely to harden and freeze, affecting travelling conditions and the ability to clear paths to where access may be needed if further faults occur¹.

Moving to this status means SSEN is bringing in more teams to respond to any faults, with additional engineers in the right locations ready to respond to network damage and faults which may interrupt power supply¹. The company said it is not expecting many additional faults to result from Sunday and Monday's weather, but the drop in temperatures and current travel conditions mean it will take longer to travel to fault locations and safely make repairs; the extra engineering teams will mitigate this¹. Contact centre teams will also be bolstered on Sunday and Monday to respond to customers' queries by telephone and social media¹.

Why it matters for households

Households across the north of Scotland, and most of mainland Scotland under the snow and ice warnings, may see power supplies interrupted over Sunday and Monday, and repairs may take longer than usual because of frozen snow and travel conditions¹. SSEN asks 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 website, where engineers will investigate as soon as possible¹. Power Track also gives details of power cuts and restoration times, and allows customers to report power cuts and network damage¹. SSEN is encouraging customers to save the emergency power cut number 105 to their phone and to follow its Facebook page (ssencommunity) for regular updates¹.

SSEN said customers are eligible for its 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 or aids reliant on electricity, or are over 60¹. The company says registering helps it to help customers when they need it most, and the number for Priority Services is 0800 294 3259¹. Our guide to the Priority Services Register explains who can join and what it provides, and Storms and the Electricity Network sets out what happens during storm-related cuts.

What happens next

SSEN said the extra engineering teams and contact centre staff will be in place for Sunday and Monday¹. The Yellow Weather Warnings for snow and ice run for most of the period through to Sunday afternoon¹. No further dates have been reported. Households preparing for high winds and snow can read our guides to preparing your home and garden for high winds and to storms, snow and ice.