SCOTTISH and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have confirmed approximately 2900 properties remain without power as of 5pm on Thursday, following the impact of Storm Gerrit.
SSEN said it had restored supplies to more than 40,000 customers since Storm Gerrit brought intense wind, rain and snow to Scotland.
The region with the greatest number of properties still without power is the North East of Scotland, with 1080 properties cut off from the supply, said SSEN.
In the Argyll and West Highland region, 618 customers remain without power, compared to 464 in Tayside and Central, 377 in Highland and 365 in Shetland.
The energy company warned that up to 1500 customers could remain without power into Friday, particularly in the North East and Shetland regions, as a result of extensive damage combined with flooding and access issues.
Andy Smith, Operations Director at SSEN Distribution, said: “We’ve made the most of a lull in the stormy weather today to get thousands of our customers reconnected. This has been a difficult couple of days for the communities affected, and I’m grateful to them for their patience and support as our teams work extremely hard to restore power.
“We’ve targeted our restoration plan on repairing the faults that will reconnect the greatest number of customers, and those who have been without power the longest.
"Where there are complex repairs or very localised faults, we expect around 1500 homes will be without power until Friday. I’d like to reassure our customers that all our resources have been made available for this final push.
“Our established welfare policy is active, offering reimbursement for meals and accommodation, for those who’re eligible, and we’re speaking to our most vulnerable customers to offer them tailored support.
"Anyone who may need additional help or advice should contact our dedicated teams on the power cut helpline, 105.”
Welfare vans serving free hot food and drink will remain open until 8pm on Thursday evening in locations where work is ongoing to restore supplies.
These can be found at the following locations:
- The Riggs car park, Fort Augustus, PH32 4DF
- Glengarry Parish Church, Invergarry, PH35 4HJ
- Dunecht Village Hall, Westhill, AB32 7AW
- Hatton of Fintray, Aberdeenshire, AB21 0YG
- The Square, Tarland, AB34 4YL
- Bellabeg, Strathdon (opposite the local shop) AB36 8UL
- The Public Hall, High Street, Sandhaven, Fraserburgh, AB43 7EQ
- Aberlour Parish Church car park, 7 Victoria Terrace, AB38 9PW
- The car park beside the football pitch, Halkirk, KW12 6YJ
- Bridge of Cally Village Hall, Braemar Road, PH10 7JL
The vans will reopen from 9am on Friday morning.
SSEN customers who will be without power for more than 12 hours are entitled to £30 per person for every day without power, to cover the cost of food and drink. People should keep hold of their receipts and claim costs back at www.ssen.co.uk/stormclaim.
SSEN said a further update would be provided later on Thursday evening.
