Power cut affects thousands of isles customers

AROUND 4,000 customers in Shetland were without electricity following a power cut predominantly affecting properties in the North Mainland and North Isles on Thursday morning.

The Urafirth and Whalsay primary schools closed early for the day due to the cuts.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) issued an apology to customers for any inconvenience after the power cut was reported to the company at 11.30am.

An SSEN spokeswoman said engineers had detected a fault on the overhead line between Sullom Voe Terminal and Lerwick Power Station.

Repairs are underway, with around 1,400 customers already having power restored and SSEN hoping to reconnect the remainder by the early afternoon.

“Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) was alerted to a power cut in the ZE2 area at 11.30am today after a fault was detected on the overhead line between Sullom Voe Terminal and Lerwick Power Station,” she said.

“4,000 customers were affected in total, with 2,600 currently without supply. Engineers are on site carrying out repairs and all customers are expected to be reconnected early this afternoon.

“SSEN apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks its customers for their patience while our engineers work to safely restore their supply.”