Scottish Hydro Power Distribution (SHEPD) engineers have implemented their contingency planning arrangements in response to the forecast ‘Amber Warning’ and have been in a number of areas since first light assessing and repairing the impact of the high winds and lightning on the electricity network in the inner and outer Hebrides and north west Scotland.
Supplies to around 6,500 customers were affected by the adverse weather conditions and over 500 engineers and field staff have been out since first light to repair, reroute and restore electricity to homes. Electricity should be restored over the course of the day; however repairs are likely to be slower due to the nature and complexity of the damage to the network in these areas.
The main areas which continue to be affected are the Western Isles and the Uists who will be restored in stages by diesel generation and grid supplies. We anticipate another 2,400 customers to be restored by 10.30am. There is a fault in Shetland being restored by generation at Lerwick and we expect the 2,500 customers who are off supply to be restored by 11am.
The other areas which are affected are as follows:
| Area | No. of customers without power |
| Dingwall rural | 100 |
| Fort William rural | 323 |
| Oban rural | 248 |
| Orkney | 43 |
| Skye (Raasay) | 14 |
| Western Isles | 800 |
SHEPD had prepared for the event and put in place detailed resilience plans. Additional engineers and support staff have been mobilised throughout depots and offices across the network area including extra call handlers to give customers advice and to talk to anyone who may lose their electricity supply.
Outbound calls are being made to our most vulnerable customers. Any customers who do lose their electricity supply are urged to contact our dedicated team on 0800 300 999 to report damage or highlight neighbours or friends who may need extra help.
Archive images - not from current storm.