SHEPD successfully restores full power and says thanks

[Kintyre Forum News]

SHEPD successfully restores full power to homes in Argyll and Arran and pays tribute to all involved in one of the most challenging situations in its company history

Scottish Hydro Power Distribution (SHEPD) engineers have successfully restored full power to all homes in Arran and Argyll following one of the most complex engineering challenges in its history. The re-erection and subsequent connection of over 60 miles of transmission and distribution networks of homes south of the Kintyre peninsula and the island of Arran is now complete. This follows the catastrophic damage by heavy snow and ice during the atrocious weather conditions which hit the region one week ago. At the peak of the event around 20,000 customers were without power.

The damage and subsequent repairs to the steel transmission towers has been unprecedented on the GB transmission network. It is recognised that no other generation mobilisation has been done at this scale before, connecting the equivalent of two small power stations.

The repair process was carried out in two stages involving the installation of generators to connect homes whilst repairs were made to the network in anticipation of re-connection to the grid. Today, the successful re-energisation of the transmission network took place, using wooden poles to bypass collapsed towers.

SHEPD engineers mounted a sustained operation of connection and repairs supported by a major logistics operation and multi-agency support. Safety remained the number one priority for customers, staff and contractors during the operation. Crucially throughout the operation no member of staff was injured.

Close partnership working has contributed to the success of the operation and included local authorities, the Police, Fire and Rescue, NHS, Mountain Rescue, Red Cross, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government. At times the weather conditions were atrocious with snow drifts of up to 3m deep. Blizzard conditions made the work even more challenging. Gaining access to our infrastructure was an issue until 26 March when roads started to clear and field staff were able to commence their work in earnest.

SHEPD hired six helicopters during this effort to inspect the equipment and carry heavy poles. These helicopters were also offered, where operation requirement allowed, to help farmers with much needed food for livestock.

In addition to this:

Ten steel towers were damaged on the Inveraray to Carradale 132kV overhead transmission line, requiring significant repair or replacement.

Over 450 engineers, linesmen, switchers and supervisors worked in the field as well as around 100 support staff working on logistics, co-ordination and resourcing.

Thousands of calls were made to customers including proactive attempts to repeatedly contact vulnerable customers.

Over 350 wood poles and 50 pole mounted transformers have been replaced during the efforts along with conductors which were snapped on the network.

Two helicopters are flying on inspection today to give a good overview of progress made in all areas.

SHEPD provided mobile catering units which served over 15,000 home-made hot meals and over 30,000 hot drinks. We have also provided food to a number of local cafes / restaurants and they too are now providing free hot meals.

SHEPD will continue to have a staff presence over the weekend in Kintyre and on Arran to ensure that anyone arriving at their holiday homes or returning home from elsewhere and finding no supply will be able to have repairs repaired quickly. Consequently, those visiting the area should expect a large volume of engineers and vehicles in the area. Anyone who finds themselves without power when arriving at holiday accommodation should call 0800 300 999.

SHEPD’s Director of Distribution Stuart Hogarth said: “I would like to thank everyone who has been affected by the loss of power over the past week for their patience. We have successfully restored power in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. This would not have been achieved without the exceptional dedication of our own staff and close team work of the multi-agency partners. Although power has now been restored, our work is not yet complete. We still have to rebuild part of our network and we will be proactively contacting customers about compensation, as well as organising roadshows in the area to listen and respond to customer feedback.

Argyll and Bute Council Leader, Councillor James Robb said: “Kintyre and the islands faced unprecedented weather conditions last week. I have no doubt that people affected are delighted to be back in business and they have coped admirably with the challenges. All of the agencies involved have been working very closely together and this kind of teamwork resulted in a fantastic response and recovery operation. The staff who have been working in all weathers to care for vulnerable people, open roads and restore power supplies have done a fantastic job, well done and thank you to everyone. These situations always give us the opportunity to learn and plan for the future. I have no doubt that everyone will build upon the team spirit already shown and will continue to work closely together serving the communities.

North Ayrshire Council Leader Willie Gibson said: "It has undoubtedly been a long hard week for residents and staff on Arran.I would like to pay tribute to the truly unbelievable efforts made by staff at SSE, North Ayrshire Council and other partners, in getting Arran back to normal. Everyone has pitched in, gone the extra mile and shown tremendous community and team spirit."

SHEPD would like to thank the following for their support during this time.

Staff / people:
Aggreko
Norpower
Powerteam
PLPC
Babcocks
Balfour Beatty Utility Services Limited
Northern Power Grid
Enterprise
SSEPD staff from across Scotland and England
Scottish Hydro Generation staff

Suppliers of Catering:
Supreme Catering

Supply of 4x4 vehicles:
SHB vehicle hire
Lix Toll Garage, Killin

Helicopters:
PDG Helicopters
HG Helicopters
Heli-rig Helicopters

Accomodation - temp office setup:
Ardsheil Hotel, Campbeltown
Auchranie Resort Spa, Arran

Haulage & Poles:
Mundells Transport, Tarbert
Barclays Brothers
Burt Boulton & Haywood Ltd (Pole suppliers)

Glencoe Ski Centre - supply of peast basher tracked device

Ferries
Special thanks to Caledonian McBraynes ferries and all their terminal staff, as well as all the other hotels, guesthouses and restaurants and small plant hire and haulage companies who have assisted us over the past seven days.

[Campbell A]

Cheers guys, we owe you a huge thanks for the unbelievable effort you put in from the very start of this unprecedented event. From organising ferries to bring generators and supplies, to flooding the area with engineers to work in horrendous conditions, to supplying helicopters to survey damage and to provide assistance where required, the whole operation was massive and I'm amazed with the speed you have been able to turn the situation around.

I've heard moans and groans from some people who believe it's their right to moan and groan but all right thinking Kintyre folk will know that they have been treated with real urgency and respect from SHEPD and offer you a huge and sincere vote of thanks.

Consider my cap doffed