Sustained storm-force winds moved across the north of Scotland from around 4am on 7 February 2023, tracking further south than forecast, according to SSEN1. The areas worst affected were Aberdeenshire, Moray and Inverness-shire, where gusts reached 85mph in some inland areas, higher than predicted1. SSEN reported a significant number of faults on its high voltage network caused by fallen trees, branches and windblown debris1.
As of 11am on 7 February, supplies had been restored to over 10,000 properties, with 30,000 properties still off supply1. SSEN said it had enacted its resilience plans ahead of the storm, mobilising additional teams and equipment, with mobile generation to be deployed and helicopters on standby to assess damage once it was safe to fly1. Wind speeds were forecast to subside from around midday1.
SSEN said full restoration would extend into the weekend because of the widespread damage, continued adverse weather and difficulty reaching faults blocked by fallen trees and road closures, with some customers in rural areas off supply for more than 48 hours1. Updated restoration times were to be given to all customers off supply from early afternoon on 7 February, so that those likely to be off supply for a prolonged period could consider alternative arrangements1.
Mark Rough, Operations Director at SSEN Distribution, said:
"However, due to the extent of damage, some customers are likely to remain off supply for over 48 hours. We're working closely with our resilience partners to support local efforts as our teams work to reconnect supplies across our network area."
SSEN said it had proactively contacted over 130,000 customers on its Priority Services Register and was calling those in the highest categories of vulnerability to check on their welfare1. The register is open to customers who are deaf or hard of hearing, have a disability, live with children under five, are blind or partially sighted, have a chronic illness, use medical equipment or aids reliant on electricity, are over 60, or temporarily need extra support1. SSEN stated that all its priority services are free1. The power cut helpline is 105, and the priority services number is 0800 294 32591.
Why it matters for households
A fault on the high voltage network removes supply to whole groups of properties at once, so restoration depends on engineers reaching and repairing the damaged section rather than on anything a household can do at the meter. The 85mph inland gusts and the road closures described by SSEN1 show how access, not just repair capacity, sets the timescale. For homes in Aberdeenshire, Moray and Inverness-shire, the practical effect was a supply interruption measured in days rather than hours, with the possibility of more than 48 hours off supply in rural areas1. Households that depend on electricity for medical equipment, or that include young children or older residents, are the ones for whom a long interruption carries the greatest consequence, which is the group the Priority Services Register is designed to reach1. Being on that register does not restore power, but it puts a household on the list SSEN contacts and calls during an event1. Longer interruptions also test whatever backup arrangements a home has, including how long they can run and what they are able to keep supplied.
What happens next
SSEN said a further update would be provided on the afternoon of 7 February, and that updated restoration times would be issued to all customers off supply from early afternoon that day1. Full restoration was expected to extend into the weekend1.
Sources2 cited
- Storm Otto – 11am update - SSEN, ssen.co.uk
- Storm Otto – Update Template - SSEN, ssen.co.uk