Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) moved to Weather Warning status on 21 November 2024 ahead of Storm Bert, which the network operator expects to bring a period of severe weather through Saturday 23 November and into Sunday1.
SSEN said its weather model shows a 24-hour period of heavy rain and high winds across much of its distribution areas in the north of Scotland and central southern England. Wind gusts are predicted to reach up to 52mph across some inland areas and in excess of 60mph along coastal regions1.
The operator said it is activating contingency plans and bringing in additional teams to deal with damage to the network and subsequent faults. It is also contacting customers ahead of the weather, sending out some 750,000 text messages to people listed on its Priority Services Register1.
"We are now activating our well-rehearsed contingency plans and bringing in additional teams to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults, which may interrupt customers' power supplies."
SSEN lists the following groups as eligible for its Priority Services Register1:
| Eligible for SSEN's Priority Services Register |
|---|
| Deaf or hard of hearing |
| Have a disability |
| Live with children under five |
| Blind or partially sighted |
| Have a chronic illness |
| Use medical equipment or aids reliant on electricity |
| Over 60 |
SSEN said all its priority services are free, and that customers can find out more about the register by calling 0800 294 32591. The Priority Services Register is a free scheme run by network operators that flags households needing extra help during a power cut; eligibility rules and what each register provides are set out in the site's guides on who is eligible and on joining the register. Northern Ireland has a separate scheme, the Customer Care Register.
SSEN encouraged customers to save the emergency power cut number, 105, to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network, and to use its Power Track website for details of power cuts and restoration times1. It said anyone who sees damage to its equipment should stay back, not touch it, and report it by calling 105 or via Power Track1.
Why it matters for households
A power cut during a storm affects a home's energy independence directly: heating controls, pumps, broadband and refrigeration all depend on mains electricity, and medical equipment reliant on power is the reason SSEN's register exists1. The 750,000 texts are intended to reach households already flagged as needing extra support before the weather arrives, rather than after faults occur1. For homes not on the register, the practical consequences of a storm-related outage are the same: supply interruptions may occur, and restoration times are published through Power Track1. Households considering how to keep essential circuits running during an outage can read the site's backup power guidance; the wider picture of how networks prepare for and respond to storms is covered under national supply, including SSEN's own arrangements.
What happens next
SSEN said it will continue to monitor Storm Bert closely as it develops and will issue further updates depending on the forecast1. The severe weather is expected across Saturday 23 November and into Sunday 24 November1. No further dates have been reported.