Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution has today issued a weather warning in preparation for a period of unsettled weather which could impact its electricity network in the north of Scotland this weekend.

SSEN's current weather model shows strong winds building from Saturday afternoon, with wind gusts reaching up to 60mph in western areas throughout the course of the day. Wind speeds will increase throughout the night on Saturday into Sunday, with gusts of up to 65-70mph forecast to move through the Western Isles, North West Highlands, Orkney and parts of the Moray coast before gradually easing during Sunday evening.

In preparation, SSEN has enacted its well-established resilience plans, increasing its standby resources in anticipation of potential damage to its network.

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

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

  • Saving the emergency power cut number '105' to your phone to use if your power goes off, or if you see any 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 prepare for a possible loss of power
  • Following SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates

SSEN's Priority Services Register(PSR) provides extra help and support during a power cut. Customers are eligible for SSEN's 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/aids reliant on electricity
  • Are over 60
  • Temporarily need extra support

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