Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution remains at weather warning status as unsettled weather conditions continue across the north of Scotland.

SSEN's network has held up well to persistent heavy snowfall since Thursday, with Met Office weather warnings in place for snow across much of SSEN's network area. The latest weather model shows continued wintry conditions into the weekend, with the worst of the weather expected in Perthshire, Aberdeenshire and the Central Highlands.

The combination of heavy snowfall and falling temperatures has the potential to cause 'line icing' where significant snowfall accumulates on overhead power lines, freezing and causing them to break.

In preparation for this unsettled spell, SSEN enacted its well-established resilience plans, increasing its standby resources in anticipation of potential damage to its network. Engineers remain ready to respond to any further challenges this weekend's weather may bring.

SSEN continues to urge people to not approach any damage to its equipment and instead, report it by calling 105 or via the Power Track App and engineers will investigate as soon as possible.

Customers are also being encouraged to be prepared for the possibility of further disruption to supplies by:

  • Saving the emergency power cut number '105' to your phone to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network
  • Downloading SSEN's Power Track app to give you details of power cuts and restoration times. You can also report power cuts and network damage through the Power Track app
  • Going to SSEN's website where there is a wealth of advice and information on how to deal with a power cut, or to chat live to one of SSEN's advisors via its Web chat service
  • Following SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates

In addition, SSEN's customer service teams are making outbound calls to customers on our Priority Services Register (PSR)to offer extra assistance, where required.

SSEN has extended its Priority Services Register to those who are categorised at 'high risk' and 'extremely high risk' of severe illness from coronavirus, so they are now eligible to sign up for additional support through the free, tailored service. This includes those following government guidelines who have received a letter from the NHS to socially shield for an extended period.

Customers are also eligible for SSEN's Priority Services Register(PSR) 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/aids reliant on electricity
  • Are over 60

To find out more about the PSR, click here or call 0800 294 3259.