OREANDA-NEWS. Engineers from Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) are planning major work next month to strengthen the main overhead lines that supply electricity to around 1,200 households between Ullapool, Achiltibuie and Lochinver.

Before the work begins, they are inviting local people to find out more and raise any questions at two open evenings to be held on Thursday 16 July from 7pm at Ullapool Village Hall and on Wednesday 29 July from 7pm at Lochinver Village Hall.

After a winter of severe storms, including the so-called ‘Weather Bomb’ in December which saw the north and west Highlands and Islands peppered with over 5,000 lightning strikes over a two day period, the investment of about ?500,000 will help keep the lights on when bad weather hits again.

As well as renewing wood poles, where required, and installing replacement metal bindings suited to the coastal environment, the work will include the installation of enhanced lightning protection along the line.  It should mean that fewer customers are affected when lightning causes safety equipment to activate to protect the network, customers and their property.

To allow work to be completed quickly and safely, some customers will have their power supply interrupted for a period on a single day towards the end of August. Engineers will be working hard to keep the period of disruption to a minimum - and notice of specific arrangements will be sent to affected households at least 5 days before work is due to take place.

John Shanks, who is managing the work for SHEPD says:
“I was working in the area back in December when we had one of the worst lightning storms I’ve seen. At the peak of the storm, we were working along the line replacing fuses, only to see them blown again within the space of a few hours as further lightning storms came through. It’s good to know that the lightning protection we are installing, roughly every 1.5km along the line, will help keep the lights on for more of our customers next time lightning strikes.

“Over the week in late August when the work is planned, local people will see lots of our vehicles and contractors in the area. There will also be some planned disruption to power supplies where that is the only way to complete our work quickly and safely.

“We 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 evenings in Ullapool Village Hall on Thursday 16 July and Lochinver Village Hall on Wednesday 29 July.  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 years to come, but we also want to make sure customers have all the information and support they need while it is ongoing.  It’s also a good opportunity to find out how to stay safe when power cuts do happen - and the part local people can play in helping us get the lights back on as quickly as possible.”