Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said on 1 January 2024 that it was activating contingency plans and standing up additional teams ahead of strong winds forecast to affect central southern England on 2 January 2024. The network operator said the weather model showed a likelihood of south-westerly and westerly gusts in excess of 55mph inland and over 60mph in coastal areas and higher ground1.
SSEN said the strong winds would impact the region from early morning until the evening and would be accompanied by persistent, heavy rain. It said warnings had also been issued by the Met Office1.
The operator set out its preparations in its own words:
"SSEN is now activating its well-rehearsed contingency plans and is standing up additional teams to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults, which may impact customers' power supplies."
SSEN said it would continue to monitor the storm closely as it developed and issue further updates depending on the forecast1. It asked anyone who sees damage to its equipment to stay back, not touch it, and report it by calling 105 or through its Power Track website, so engineers can investigate as soon as possible1.
The operator listed the groups eligible for its Priority Services Register: 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; or are over 60. It gave the registration number as 0800 294 32591.
| Forecast condition | Level given by SSEN |
|---|---|
| Gusts, inland | In excess of 55mph |
| Gusts, coastal areas and higher ground | Over 60mph |
| Timing | Early morning until evening, 2 January 2024 |
| Accompanying weather | Persistent, heavy rain |
Why it matters for households
A power cut removes the things a home normally relies on for light, heat, cooking, refrigeration and communications at the same moment, and the loss of supply is the point at which a household's energy independence is most visibly absent. SSEN's warning covers damage to the network and subsequent faults, which is the mechanism by which storms translate into lost supply for customers1.
The Priority Services Register exists for households where a power cut carries extra risk, including those using medical equipment or aids reliant on electricity, and SSEN lists the qualifying groups and a contact number1. For homes without such needs, the practical exposure during a storm of this kind is the duration of any interruption and whether the household can keep essential functions running while it lasts. SSEN directs customers to its Power Track map for details of power cuts and restoration times, and to its preparing for a power cut guidance1. Households considering how to cover interruptions can read about backup power options, and the wider picture of network resilience and storm response sits under national supply.
What happens next
SSEN said it would continue to monitor the storm closely as it developed and issue further updates depending on the forecast1. No restoration times or expected numbers of affected customers had been reported at the time of the warning.