Scottish Hydro Electric Invests £5.4 Million In Highland

16th December 2012

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) invests £5.4m in network in Highland.

The electricity network in Highland has been strengthened further through a £5.4m investment in preparation for the winter months as part of a planned £160 million company wide investment programme over the next four years. The programme to upgrade and maintain the network infrastructure is designed to improve the resilience of the network in the North of Scotland. Following last winter’s exceptional weather events, SHEPD has invested £30m this year in maintenance and refurbishment of the electricity network to ensure it is as robust as possible for the winter months.

SHEPD covers 25% of the UK land mass with only 2% of the customer base. Despite the geographical challenge this presents SHEPD has managed to improve network efficiency this year through its responsiveness, drawing on previous experience in the extreme storms of last winter and innovation using the latest technologies.

Engineers based across the Highland region, have spent several months ramping up maintenance and refurbishment on key parts of the local electricity network to ensure the power equipment is ready.

In Aultbea engineers are close to reaching completion of a £2.3m complex engineering project to replace the overhead lines between Aultbea and Dundonnel. This has been done using specialised equipment including rock drills and helicopters to help combat the unforgivable terrain.

Line patrols have taken place throughout Highland to give a strategic detailed view of the electricity network condition. Particular attention has been placed on the main fault areas from last year to identify parts which may have caused problems again, enabling SHEPD to take proactive steps to help prevent reoccurrences this year. A significant amount of tree cutting has been carried out to reduce the risk of power lines being brought down by trees and branches in high winds.

It is vital that every step is taken to protect vulnerable customers in the area served by SHEPD. The priority customer register has been updated to ensure a pro-active approach is taken should supplies be lost, while working closely with local authorities to ensure resources are shared. A specially kitted out vehicle will be mobilised wherever possible to act as an additional communication hub in outlying areas.

SHEPD’s Director of Distribution Stuart Hogarth said: “This new investment work in the Highland area will mean our network is even more robust. If there is a power cut, supplies in these areas will be restored more quickly as a result of this investment. We have paid particular attention to areas which caused us problems last year to help prevent reoccurrences this year. Without this significant investment in the Highlands, winter storms could cause much more damage.”

SHEPD also has advanced weather monitoring systems in place, which gives staff five or six days to plan ahead and be ready for severe weather. This means it is far easier to mobilise crews, materials and equipment as quickly as possible. It is critical in an emergency that customers can get information they require. SHEPD has a tried and tested storm plan to ensure correct levels of staffing in its depots and call centres.

If customers do find themselves without electricity, the emergency contact number for them to call is 0800 300 999. SHEPD have an on-line service which will be updated live with details of any major interruptions to supply, providing real time information and advice for customers experiencing loss of supply. The website is available at http://www.ssepd.co.uk/Home/. Regular updates on interruptions can also be found on Twitter[AT]hydroPD