Weather / Around 1,600 properties still without power but efforts to reconnect continue
AROUND 1,600 properties now remain without power as efforts continue to reconnect areas with no supply.
The figure is correct as of 1pm, with areas like the west and north mainland still affected.
Following the arrival of additional crews and equipment overnight, around 150 engineers are now battling snow and ice to rebuild Shetland’s overhead power lines and reconnect properties to the network.
Subject to no unforeseen challenges, SSEN Distribution continues to target the restoration of the majority of supplies by Sunday.
It is anticipated that some small clusters of properties in the West Mainland, particularly west of Bixter, will be reconnected on Monday.
An updated list of locations, customer numbers connected to each circuit and the final estimated times of restoration (ETR) can be found below. The ETRs listed are for final reconnection of all customers on each circuit, some properties will have their power restored prior to this ETR.
Restoration is prioritised by many factors, including the extent of damage, the ability to re-route the network and the potential to connect mobile generation to restore supplies.
Mark Macdonald, head of region at SSEN Distribution, said: “Teams of engineers have been out in force since first light this morning to continue restoring power to homes and businesses across Shetland. We’d like to thank our customers for their patience and reassure them that an increased 150-strong team is out across the islands today working to reconnect supplies as quickly as possible.
“We expect to make sustained progress throughout the day, reconnecting customers area-by-area by rebuilding sections of network, connecting mobile generation and undertaking engineering solutions to restore power faster, before making permanent repairs.
“We recognise that although the community spirit is still strong across the islands, customers experiencing a prolonged loss of power will face new challenges each day.
“I’d continue to encourage customers to take advantage of the warm hubs set up in collaboration with Shetland Islands Council and our resilience partners and urge anyone who needs additional support to call us straight away on 105.”
An updated list of welfare hubs for today (Friday) is available here.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
