Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) issued a weather warning on 27 March 2024 for a period of unsettled weather on Thursday 28 March, which it said could impact the electricity network in central southern England1. SSEN's weather model showed the potential for strong winds moving east along the coast and inland from midday into the evening1.
Wind gusts were predicted to reach up to 70mph in coastal areas and between 55 and 60mph inland1. SSEN said it had enacted its well-established resilience plans, increasing its standby resources in anticipation of potential damage to its network1.
"SSEN has issued a weather warning in preparation for a period of unsettled weather on Thursday 28 March, which could impact the electricity network in central southern England."
SSEN encouraged customers to be prepared for the possibility of disruption to supplies. Its advice was to save the emergency power cut number 105 to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network; to download its Power Track app for details of power cuts and restoration times and to report power cuts and network damage; to use its website for advice on dealing with a power cut or to chat live to an advisor via Webchat; and to follow SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates1. SSEN also said Power Track can be used to find the nearest EV charge point for an electric vehicle that needs charging during a power cut1.
SSEN's Priority Services Register provides extra help and support during a power cut, and the network said all its priority services are free1. Customers are eligible if they are aged over 60; live with children under five; have a disability; have a chronic illness; are deaf or hard of hearing; are blind or partially sighted; or use medical equipment or aids which are reliant on electricity1. SSEN gave 0800 294 3259 as the number for finding out more about the register1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers central southern England, with the strongest gusts expected on the coast from midday into the evening on Thursday 28 March1. Households in the affected areas could see disruption to electricity supplies if the winds damage the network, which is why SSEN increased its standby resources1. SSEN's published advice for households preparing for possible disruption is to save the 105 number, use the Power Track app and its website, and follow its social media updates1. Households that meet the Priority Services Register criteria can register for extra support during a power cut, which SSEN says is free1.
What happens next
SSEN said it would post regular updates on Facebook and Twitter, and power cuts and restoration times can be tracked through its Power Track app and website1. Loss of supply or damage to the network can be reported on 1051. No further timetable beyond Thursday 28 March has been reported1.
Households wanting to prepare can read our guides on storms and the electricity network, preparing your home and garden for high winds and why the electricity goes off. The Priority Services Register guide explains who can join, and our staying informed hub covers how to follow official updates.
Storms and the Electricity Grid
Preparing for High Winds
