Work continues to reconnect remaining households affected by Storm Arwen
As at 1130 hours today there remains about 150 households in East Lothian off supply. SPEN have assured East Lothian Council that they have made contact with all persons off supply with the exception of a handful who may have left to stay with relatives/friends. ELC Community Wardens are visiting the households not contacted, this morning, to make checks on these households. The Scottish Borders have 2202 households still off supply.
The ELC Severe Weather Group has remained in contact with SPEN throughout this incident and worked with them to assist the public in any way we can. Known vulnerable people have been prioritised. SPEN have highlighted throughout, that it is their responsibility to offer those affected in this incident with welfare considerations including alternative accommodation and hot food.
The enormity of the incident cannot be underestimated. SPEN usually have 5 ‘line teams’ working in the Lothians and Scottish Borders area to repair electricity cables. At this time SPEN have 80 ‘line teams’ working from first light till the ‘early hours’. The additional ‘line teams’ have come from all over the UK, Portugal and Ireland. It is hoped that all households will have electricity by later tonight. Tree cutting and continuing poor weather has remained the major issue.
The latest weather update from the Met Office for the next few days is for ‘normal winter weather’. However, it should be noted that any further strong winds could bring down trees and/or other debris loosened and made fragile during Storm Arwen.