[Stronsaylimpet] News about SSEN from Liam McArthur MSP

[Limpet editor]

Liam McArthur, MSP has forwarded the following information to Stronsay
Community Council for disseminating to others;

I thought Stronsay Community Council might be interested to have sight
of the update which I’ve received from Georgina Wardrop, Senior
Manager, Communications - Corporate Affairs, Scottish and Southern
Electricity Networks (SSEN).

Ms Wardrop writes, “You will be aware that we’re currently dealing
with an interruption to supplies in Stronsay. Yesterday morning
(Tuesday 21 February) a fault developed at our substation in Stronsay,
Orkney affecting 222 customers on the island. To minimise disruption
and restore power as quickly as possible, a mobile generator was
brought in as an interim solution until permanent repairs are carried
out. Unfortunately, the mobile generator developed a fault, and early
this morning customer power supplies were interrupted again. Our teams
quickly restored power to around half of these customers by 6am this
morning.

“An engineer made his way by helicopter to join local teams with
additional equipment to carry out repairs to the generator and was
estimated to arrive by 2pm this afternoon. Local engineers are also
currently working to restore power to our customers using smaller low
voltage generators wherever possible. We aim to restore power to all
customers by 6pm this evening.

“Further contingency measures are also in place, with a second mobile
generator set on its way from mainland Scotland to provide additional
backup until permanent repairs to the network are completed. Customers
should expect further interruption to supplies this afternoon as we
carry out repairs to the generator. The Stronsay Fish Mart is open
until 3pm, providing hot food and drinks to those currently without
power.

“We’re engaging closely with the multi-agency Orkney Local Emergency
Co-ordinating Group (OLECG), with a further meeting later this
afternoon to provide the latest update to partners. Our teams have
called all customers on our Priority Services Register to check on
their welfare and provide advice and support. As part of the Civil
Contingencies Act, we’ve also shared our PSR data with the Orkney Care
for People group, who are currently arranging for volunteers from
Voluntary Action Orkney to carry out a welfare check on our PSR
customers later today.

“I’d urge anyone who has any concerns for themselves or others to
contact our dedicated teams on the power cut helpline, 105. I’d like
to reassure you that faults of this nature are rare, and we’re doing
everything we can to restore power as quickly as possible.”

I appreciate that the information from SSEN is unlikely to add
anything to what you already know, but I hope my email is of some help
and please feel free to share it more widely, as you feel is
appropriate. Meantime, do let me know if you have any further comments
or questions.

Kind regards, Liam

Liam McArthur MSP
Liberal Democrat, Orkney