Around 7000 properties still affected as SSEN works to restore power to home after Storm Gerrit
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Teams from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution are continuing to make good progress in restoring power to customers in the north of Scotland following Storm Gerrit.
As of 10.45am this morning, supplies have been successfully restored to more than 34,000 customers, with around 7700 properties currently off supply, mainly due to faults which occurred later on Wednesday.
This figure also includes 2300 customers in Shetland who lost supplies early this morning. Shetland was the last part of Scotland impacted by Gerrit, and a wind gust of 83mph was recorded in Lerwick. This was the strongest wind gust the islands have seen in seven years.
Number of customers off supply as of 10:45am
North East - 1854.
Tayside and Central - 1094.
The widespread damage, and the challenges accessing faults due to fallen trees, flooding and road closures, mean that full network restoration will take time.
It is expected the majority of homes will be reconnected today, but some customers in rural areas will be off supply for up to 48 hours, particularly in the north-east which felt the brunt of Storm Gerrit later on Wednesday.
Following assessment of overnight damage, including helicopter patrols, updated restoration estimates are being supplied to customers though SSEN’s Power Track website, and text alerts.
SSEN knows the impact this storm is having on its customers and continues to work closely with local resilience partners to coordinate welfare arrangements and identify customers who may benefit from additional support.
SSEN has proactively contacted over 50,000 customers on its Priority Services Register and continues to visit and telephone the most vulnerable among them to check in and offer help.
Additional teams to repair the network were mobilised from first thing on Wednesday and worked late into the night.
This morning, welfare vans serving hot food and drink are open in locations where work is ongoing to restore supplies.
These can be found at the following locations:
Finzean Hall, Banchory, AB31 6LY.
Hatton of Fintray, Aberdeenshire, AB21 0YG.
The Square, Tarland, AB34 4YL.
Bellabeg, Strathdon (opposite the local shop) AB36 8UL.
The Public Hall, High Street, Sandhaven, Fraserburgh, AB43 7EQ.
Aberlour Parish Church car park, 7 Victoria Terrace.
As part of SSEN’s support package, customers who will be without power for more than 12 hours are entitled to £30 per person for every day without power, to cover the cost of food and drink. People should keep hold of their receipts and claim costs back at
