Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) is now operating at Yellow Alert status in response to the severe weather that is forecast to hit Scotland late tonight.
Independent forecasters are predicting gusts of up to 100 mph and lightning strikes
across Western Isles and the north.
Scottish Hydro has put in place its contingency plans, ensuring optimum staffing levels to deal with any damage the storm may cause to the electricity network.
The electricity distributor has mobilised hundreds of additional staff on the ground and in customer call centres.
It is also transferring some resources from its sister company, Southern Electric Power Distribution, in anticipation of the severe weather.
Rodney Grubb, Head of Operations, explained the significance of the Yellow Alert: “Going to Yellow Alert is an indication of how seriously we are taking this storm that is likely to hit Scotland.
“It means increasing our resources and mobilising them to places where the storm is likely to cause the most havoc and damage the electricity network.”
Rodney also urged customers to be prepared in case the power does goes off for as
short while: “Simple things like having a box of candles and some matches, a plug-
“As always, if you know of someone who may need extra help during a power cut, please
call our Priority Service team and we’ll add their details to our files.”
Scottish Hydro now at yellow alert for storm
8 January 2015