Scottish Hydro boosts its Tayside network to prepare for winter

Nov 29 2011 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

PERTHSHIRE’S electricity network looks set to be strengthened this winter by a multi-million pound investment programme.

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plans to spend £10 million on its Tayside and Central distribution networks.

The company says it is paying particular attention to the main fault areas from last year.

Other activities carried out in the region include maintenance and refurbishment of the overhead network to ensure its reliability and security.

Seventeen substations have been replaced, while overhead lines passing the A9 near Auchterarder have been buried.

The site was badly affected last winter by a build-up of snow and ice on the overhead line and the work is expected to help ensure that any future faults should not impact on road users.

Safety checks have been carried out on the company’s vehicles to ensure they are able to withstand winter conditions and additional 4x4 vehicles have been brought in.

Street surveys have also taken place in Perth to find customers’ views.

Perth-based operations manager Ronnie MacDonald said: “Our ongoing investment programme in Tayside and Central will mean our network is even more robust and if there is a power cut supplies in the area will be restored more quickly.

“We have paid particular attention to areas which caused us problems last year to help prevent recurrences this year.

“Without this significant investment in the electricity network winter storms could cause much more damage.”

Anyone without electricity can call the emergency contact number 0800 300 999.

A new online service with details of major interruptions to supply is available at www.ssepd.co.uk/Home.