SSEN | Community Support in Power Cuts

Previous years have seen several large storms impact our customers and our networks. We take huge steps to ensure we’re prepared to support our customers and communities who are likely to be affected, especially those in vulnerable circumstances.

When prolonged power cuts or storms hit our licence areas, we provide welfare support to those communities heavily impacted, but it isn’t always safe or possible to help everyone or ask people to leave their homes and travel to where welfare is located.

We would like to reach local high street businesses like cafes, take aways, pubs, and restaurants, and ask them for their help. 

The key points

• Power cuts during severe weather can sometimes last longer than 12 hours.
• At these times Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks want to support affected communities with free food and drink whilst they are working to restore the power.
• In some instances, it’s better and safer that welfare stays on local high streets through trusted partners that have power or ability to help, like cafes, takeaways, and restaurants.
• Working proactively is important as bad weather comes with little notice, but it’s important to clarify that we wouldn’t want local businesses to buy in extra supplies or stock and plan ahead, as the storm may pass or the power cuts may be short lived and not require welfare support.
• Working with you helps keep trade local, support local economies, and make communities more resilient as climate change sees more unpredictable weather in our area.