Over 150 customers in Caithness without power after Storm Gerrit
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OVER 150 customers in Caithness are still without power following Storm Gerrit which caused widespread damage and travel disruption throughout the UK.
A total of 844 households in Highland had no electricty at 10.45am although Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution will be providing a further update later this afternoon.
A number of areas in Caithness were affected, including areas west of Thurso, around Castletown, John O' Groats, Thrumster and Berriedale although SSEN teams are making "good progress" restoring power to customers in the north of Scotland following the storm.
More than 34,000 customers had power restored, with around 7,700 properties off supply, mainly due to faults which occurred on Wednesday.
That figure includes 2300 customers in Shetland who lost supplies early this morning. Shetland was the last part of Scotland impacted by Storm Gerrit, with a wind gust of 83mph recorded in Lerwick.
There were 192 customers without power in Orkney.
SSEN has stressed that 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 (Thursday) but some customers in rural areas will be off supply for up to 48 hours, particularly in the northeast which felt the brunt of Storm Gerrit.
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.
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, including at the car park beside the football pitch, Halkirk.
As part of SSEN’s support package, customers 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 www.ssen.co.uk/stormclaim
Andy Smith, operations director at SSEN Distribution, said: "Our teams continue to make really good progress in restoring power following the significant impact of Storm Gerrit. I know it’s caused problems for our customers, and I’m grateful to them for their patience. I’d like to reassure customers we’ve got every resource at our disposal out there, fixing faults on the network.
"Adverse conditions on the roads hampered our efforts last night, but thankfully conditions have improved this morning and we’re making progress with the work that needs to be done. But it will take time to complete all repairs. Some customers in rural areas where there are multiple points of damage, will be without power until Friday. "
He added: "Welfare provision is now available in a number of affected areas, and we’re speaking to our most vulnerable customers to offer them specific support. Anyone who may need additional help or advice should contact our dedicated teams on the power cut helpline, 105."
