SSEN steps up welfare response after Storm Amy with hot food vans as thousands remain cut off
A network of hot food hubs and community support points has been rolled out across the north as Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) steps up efforts to help households still affected by power cuts following Storm Amy.
SSEN say its comprehensive welfare operation is now fully under way, with food vans, community meals and priority support for vulnerable customers being delivered as engineers continue repairs to the network.
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An SSEN spokesperson said: “As our teams work to reconnect customers affected by the major damage caused to the electricity network by Storm Amy, we're mobilising a large welfare operation to support as many people as we can.
“We are prioritising support for our most vulnerable customers who are registered for our Priority Services.
“Our dedicated team is in contact with these customers to keep them updated on progress to restore supplies and to give them details of the additional support that's available.”
Confirmed welfare sites in the north include:
Grantown-on-Spey – 2 School Place, open from 1pm
Beauly – The Priory Hotel, open 3pm–8.30pm
Fortrose – The Cove Restaurant, open 2pm–8pm
SSEN said more mobile food units will be deployed through the afternoon, with updates on locations and opening times to be shared on its social media channels and local partners.
The “comprehensive welfare effort” comes as engineers continue to repair damage to the electricity network caused by winds exceeding 100 mph during an amber weather alert issued by the Met Office.
The company said earlier this morning that supply had been restored to 16,500 customers, while around 62,000 households remained without power at that time.
Work is continuing through the day to reconnect further homes using remote switching and on-site fault repairs.
Customers who incur costs because of the ongoing disruption are being advised to keep hold of their receipts and claim back expenses via ssen.co.uk/stormclaim.
A spokesperson said: “We would once again like to thank all our customers for their patience as our teams continue to work hard to restore supplies as safely and quickly as possible.
“If you see any damage to our equipment, please stay back, don’t touch it and instead report it to us directly by calling 105, or via our Power Track website, and engineers will investigate as soon as possible.”
SSEN continues to urge residents to check on neighbours who may need extra help as the work continues.
Amber wind warnings from the Met Office remain in force across the Highlands until 9pm.