In a week that has seen freezing temperatures arrive in Moray for the first time this winter, warnings are being issued that residents take care to ensure they are aware of possible difficulties including disruption to power supplies.
When strong winds are accompanied by freezing temperatures in recent winters there has been the very real possibility of disruption to domestic and business power supplies.
Downed power lines often require heroic efforts from engineers working in dreadful conditions to restore supplies – and when such work is under way it is essential than customers are kept informed of progress.
Moray MP Angus Robertson is offering advice to his constituents, saying: “If people find themselves without electricity, Scottish Hydro’s 24 hour emergency call centre will be available to provide an update and estimated restoration time, this call centre can be accessed on 0800 300 999.
“An on-line service will also be updated live with details of any major interruptions to supply, providing real time information and advice for customers experiencing a loss of supply. Constituents can access this website at www.ssepd.co.uk/Home/.
“Regular updates on engineers’ progress will also be posted on Twitter under @hydroPD, on Facebook by Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution and via Scottish Hydro’s PowerTrack App, available for iPhone and Android.”
The MP added that people who might have specific concerns for friends or family should register their details with Scottish Hydro’s Priority Services Register.
He said: “This alerts the company to their circumstances in advance allowing priority assistance and fault restoration in the event of interruptions to supply.
“People who may benefit from being on the Priority Service Register include those who rely on electricity for medical equipment, the elderly and those with a young baby in the family.
More information on the Priority Service Register is available by calling 0800 294 3259.”