Over 16,000 Homes Still Without Power in Scotland Due to Storm Gerrit

(CTN News) – As Storm Gerrit keeps wreaking havoc nationwide, almost 16,000 homes still don’t have electricity in Scotland.

Snow, terrible winds, and heavy rain have been battering the Scots since this morning.

The electricity network was damaged by fallen trees, branches, and other debris due to blizzard conditions and gusts of up to 80 mph.

Nearly 25,000 customers have had electricity restored, according to Scottish and Southern Energy Network (SSEN), the operator of the network. Just over 16,000 further houses are still without power.

For as long as 48 hours, certain rural customers—especially those in the northeast—may not have access to electricity.

The power will not be restored tonight therefore the welfare vehicles are being relocated to areas without electricity.

Starting tomorrow at 9 a.m., the following locations will be offering hot meals:

I know our customers have had a rough day, and I’d like to thank them for being patient,” stated Andy Smith, Operations Director of SSEN Distribution.

Since early this morning, we have responded to network issues by deploying every resource available to us. We have experienced quite difficult situations while performing this.

“Despite the bad weather, our staff have connected about 25,000 clients. However, because to the severe conditions and the difficulties in reaching impacted areas by road, it will take some time to do all of the repairs.

Power outages could last until Friday for certain clients in more remote locations hit hard by the storm.

Welfare provision is being put in place in some impacted locations, and we are communicating with our most vulnerable customers to provide them with tailored assistance. Call our devoted specialists on the power outage hotline, 105, if you need further assistance or guidance.

If a customer’s power outage lasts longer than 12 hours, they are eligible to receive £30 per person daily to cover food and drink expenses.

Individuals are advised to retain their receipts for expenses that can be recouped through the SSEN website.

Furthermore, if it is anticipated that individuals on the Priority Service Register will experience a power outage lasting more than 24 hours, they are eligible to claim reasonable expenses for alternate housing.

Hundreds of Drivers Rescued in Scotland Highlands

If assistance is required, we can help you book accommodations.

The A9 in Drumtocher in the Scottish Highlands was impassable for hundreds of drivers until snowploughs cleared the way.

Drivers were warned to use extreme caution and only proceed if necessary, as the major route was subsequently re-opened in both directions.