The hydro has moved to yellow alert as Storm Gertrude is expected to batter Scotland
Weather predictions commissioned by models for Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) anticipate wind speeds over 90 mph in the Western Isles, Skye and north west Highlands.
The utility firm has 400 frontline and support staff standing by.
Engineers have been despatched to areas it expects to be hit by the storm, including the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.
Mobile generators and other resources are also being moved.
The hydro's customer service team has been making outbound calls to vulnerable customers on its priority service register in the affected areas to alert them and offer extra assistance, where required.
People are warned no to approach fallen or damaged power lines, which may still be live.
Hydro engineers on standby for powercuts
28 January 2016