Ofgem statement on the Shetland electricity supply incident
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The situation of ongoing power outages in Shetland is troubling, with 2,400 customers still without power as of this morning (15th December). This is largely due to significant snow and ice sticking to overhead power lines, causing them to fall.
Particularly in this cold weather, we recognise that this is a very difficult and distressing time for those households affected. We are grateful to SSEN Distribution and other agencies for their hard work to get engineers and equipment on site and restore power to homes as quickly as possible, which continue to be hampered by blocked roads, the extent of remedial work required to rebuild the network, and extremely adverse weather.
We understand from SSEN that a team of engineers has now arrived, and we have asked that regular reports and updates on progress are sent to Ofgem until we see the effect of that team.
Akshay Kaul, Ofgem’s Director of Infrastructure and Security and Supply, said:
“We have sought and received assurances from SSEN that they are doing all they can to ensure that customers are being looked after and provided adequate support while they wait for power supplies to be restored, particularly those who may be vulnerable.
“They are proactively calling customers on the Priority Services Register, and working with local resilience partners to identify customers who may need additional support, including the option of alternative accommodation, and setting up warm hubs in 16 locations.
“As we continue through the colder months, we want to urge people to check with their supplier whether they may benefit from services available through the Priority Services Register, which can help with tailored customer care, benefit checks, more accessible formats for energy bills, more frequent meter reading, free gas safety checks, and prioritised support during incidents such as this.”
Ofgem is in close contact with SSEN and will continue to monitor the situation closely.