OREANDA-NEWS. Engineers from Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) will be embarking on a programme of work over the coming months to strengthen the local electricity network that supplies electricity to over 600 households around Kiltarlity and Kilmorack.  An open evening to inform customers in the area about the work, answer questions and discuss issues is being held at Kiltarlity Village Hall on Tuesday 18 August from 7pm. 

After a winter when customers in the area were affected by a series of severe storms, the investment of about ?260,000 will help keep the lights on when bad weather hits again. Work will include the installation of improved lightning protection, new automated equipment to enable faster restoration of power supplies and tree-cutting around key overhead lines.  

Engineers will be working hard to minimise any disruption to power supplies by using special ‘live line’ working equipment and mobile generators where it is practical to do so. Where a planned interruption to power supplies is necessary to allow work to be completed quickly and safely, at least 5 working days’ notice will be given. 

Paul Schofield, SHEPD’s Project Manager for the work, says:

“I was working in the area over last winter, when we had a series of severe storms combining sustained high winds, lightning and heavy snow at times. Our teams face big challenges working in storm conditions to repair damage to the network, but we know our customers rely on us at those times more than ever. This investment will make sure our local network is as ready as it can be ahead of next winter and should help us to get the power back on when the weather is doing its worst.

“At times when the work is taking place, local people will see more of our vehicles and staff in the area. There may also be some planned disruption to power supplies where that is the only way to complete our work quickly and safely.

“I would like to extend an invitation to customers who would like to find out more about what we’re doing to come and see us at our open evening in Kiltarlity Village Hall on Tuesday 18 August from 7pm.  We will be pleased to answer questions and receive comments or suggestions.

"We know how important a reliable and safe electricity supply is to local communities.  This work will help to deliver that for the years ahead, but we also want to make sure customers have all the information and support they need while it is under way.  It’s also a great opportunity to find out how to stay safe when power cuts do happen - and what you can do to help us get the lights back on as quickly as possible.”