TEAMS from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution are continuing their final push to restore power to around 250 homes off supply following the impact of Storm Gerrit.
As of 3.45pm on Friday, electricity supplies have been restored to almost 48,000 properties, with approximately 250 properties still awaiting restoration.
The localised faults are in small pockets across Aberdeenshire, Perthshire and The Great Glen.
SSEN said it had restored supplies to more than 40,000 customers since Storm Gerrit brought intense wind, rain and snow to Scotland.
It is expected all customers will be reconnected this evening (Friday), barring any unforeseen challenges.
Local resilience partners have have continued to co-ordinate welfare arrangements and identify customers who may benefit from additional support to give updates and offer support with alternative accommodation where necessary.
Welfare vans serving free hot food and drink are situated at the following locations and will remain open until 8pm this evening:
- The Square, Tarland, AB34 4YL
- Aberchalder, next to the swing bridge, Invergarry, PH35 4HN *
- The Riggs car park, Fort Augustus, PH32 4DF
- The car park beside the football pitch, Halkirk, KW12 6YJ
People who have had no 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 receipts and claim costs back at www.ssen.co.uk/stormclaim.
In addition, customers on SSEN’s Priority Service Register can claim reasonable costs for alternative accommodation if it is expected they will be without power for over 24 hours. Support with booking accommodation can be provided if needed. If a power cut is estimated to last beyond 48 hours, all customers can benefit from this support.
Andy Smith, Operations Director at SSEN Distribution, said: “Our teams have continued to make excellent progress today in restoring customers impacted by Storm Gerrit, in the face of continued challenging conditions.
"We recognise this has been a difficult couple of days for the customers still affected, and I’m grateful to them for their continued patience and support as our teams work extremely hard to restore power.”
“Our established welfare policy is active, offering reimbursement for meals and accommodation, for those who’re eligible, and we’re speaking to our most vulnerable customers to offer them tailored support. Anyone who may need additional help or advice should contact our dedicated teams on the power cut helpline, 105.”
Once final fault assessments are carried out, any customers impacted for over 48 hours will be entitled to compensation under the regulated Guaranteed Standards of Performance.
For power interruptions over 48 hours, customers will receive £80, with a further £40 for every subsequent 6-hour period they were off supply (up to a maximum of £2,000).
Customers do not need to contact SSEN to request compensation as this process is automatic.
