More than 300 wooden poles carrying electricity lines to a Ross-shire village are being replaced as part of a power giant’s efforts to boost the supply.
Electricity provider Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is investing £350,000 to strengthen the main overhead line to Muir of Ord and the surrounding area.
The work, which is expected to take 12 weeks, started this month and also includes maintenance of the network and extensive tree cutting in the area.
It aims to improve the resilience of the network and minimise the risk of power cuts.
Engineers will use mobile generators to keep the period of disruption to a minimum.
Colin Pirie, head of region for the Highlands and Islands, said: “Our priority is to provide a safe and secure electricity supply for our customers and we understand how important this is for some of the more remote communities in our region.
“As our engineers work to upgrade and strengthen the network in the area, we will also use this as an opportunity to carry out essential maintenance and cut trees and vegetation away from overhead power lines.
“Mobile generation will be used to minimise disruption to our customers but I’d ask any customers in vulnerable situations who may be concerned about any 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 SSEN’s Priority Services Register if: They are dependent on electricity for home medical care, have a chronic illness or short term medical condition, are disabled, over the age of 60, have special communication needs, have a child under the age of five at home, or for any other reason may not cope in a power cut.
For more information visit
ssen.co.uk/PriorityServices/
, or to register call 0800 294 3259 or 0800 316 5457 to register using a text phone.