Almost £750,000 is being spent to upgrade the electricity network in the Western Isles.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, SSEN, is replacing an existing transformer at Pollacher on South Uist.
And the new equipment will not only strengthen the local network but it will have a larger capacity to cope with the higher demand for electricity in the area.
Work has now started to replace the old transformer and the project will be managed throughout by SSEN.
Disruption to customers will be avoided as much as possible with engineers reconfiguring the local network to maintain supplies in the area.
Colin Pirie, head of region for the Highlands and Islands said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to improve the service we provide to our customers and ensure they have the power they need, we’re investing in the island’s electricity network. We want to prepare the network for future development, and improve security of supply for our customers.
“Our teams will ensure disruption to the local community is kept to a minimum, with works being planned strategically to avoid interruption to supplies. We will do everything we can to keep our customers informed of the works and any possible disruption to their local area.
“However, we’d ask any customers in vulnerable situations who may be concerned about the impact of these works to join our priority services register, where 24 hour support is available for those who need extra help.”
Customers can qualify for the register if they are dependent on electricity for home medical care, have a chronic illness or short term medical condition, are disabled, have special communication needs, are over the age of 60, have children under five or, for any other reason, may not be able to cope in a power cut.
The scheme will cost a total of £730,000 and the new transformer is expected to be energised in late August.