Thousands still without power in Scotland as Storm Eowyn clean-up continues
Thousands still without power in Scotland as Storm Eowyn clean-up continues
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Thousands of homes remain without power and travel disruption is continuing in Scotland in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn, which swept across the country on Friday. SP Energy Networks said its engineers had worked through the night to restore power to homes after winds of up to 100mph caused “extensive damage” to the electricity network.
On Sunday morning the company said supplies had now been restored to 165,000 homes in central and southern Scotland, but that 14,000 were still without power. As of 7.30pm on Saturday, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said 12,000 of its customers were still without power.
Scottish Power said the severity of the storm, combined with ongoing inclement weather, meant it could take “several days” to restore power in some areas. The company said nearly 200,000 properties have been affected in the areas it serves since the storm began.
It added that it has taken more than 52,000 calls so far – about a month’s worth of calls in a single day. Aileen Rourke, SP Energy Networks Scotland distribution director, said: “Our dedicated engineers have continued to work through the night to get many more people back on supply.
“Unfortunately, the severity of the storm and damage, combined with the continued poor weather conditions, means in some areas it could take several days to restore power. “We know it is difficult for customers and are updating them on likely timescales to help them plan for the coming days.
“Hotel accommodation is being provided where possible and food vouchers as well as food trucks in the most badly affected areas. We’ve also worked with local authorities and other partners to arrange warm spaces for people to go to charge phones and get hot food and drinks.
