News / Hydro engineers praised
LOCAL MSP Tavish Scott has praised the work of Scottish Hydro Electric engineers who have been working “tirelessly around the clock” to reconnect the electricity supplies to many homes in Shetland.
More than 2,500 homes in Shetland were left without power over the weekend as hurricane force winds caused chaos across much of the country.
Efforts to repair the electricity network have also been hampered by difficult weather conditions which have seen hurricane winds reportedly causing gusts of up to 100mph.
SHEPD director of engineering Alan Broadbent said the distribution network was finally back to normal on Tuesday morning, praising engineers’ for their work in “atrocious” conditions and complimenting customers for their patience.
“Our customers have been tremendous,” he said. “They had to endure appalling disruption to their electricity supply. I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding, and again apologise to them.
“I am also immensely proud of our engineers. They live and work in the communities they serve, so it was a matter of personal pride and satisfaction for them to bring power back on as soon as possible. They did this by battling some of the worst weather conditions I have ever known.”
Speaking from storm-bound Bressay, Scott said: “Although I am very much aware that a number of homes unfortunately still remain without power, the engineers and staff of Scottish Hydro Electric have been fantastic and are continuing to work hard to reconnect all those affected through the worst of conditions.
“They have worked tirelessly around the clock to reconnect electricity supplies to many homes in Shetland and have done so despite the severely adverse and potentially dangerous weather conditions which we have all witnessed over the past few days and again today.
“I know that there has been a great sense of appreciation from many families and communities across Shetland, and I believe that the local staff deserve a great deal of credit for their efforts.”
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