SP Energy Networks help NHS battle against '˜Beast from the East'

With motorists still advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary and train and bus services limited throughout central Scotland by the treacherous road conditions, the electricity distributor is assisting the NHS wherever possible.

SP Energy Networks staff member Scott Morrice made sure accident and emergency medic Dr John Mackay got from Livingston to fulfill his night shift at the A&E Ward at the Forth Valley Hospital in Larbert.

Scott’s colleague Alastair McNie then returned at the end of Dr Mackay’s shift to pick him up to take him home.

Guy Jefferson, SP Energy Networks customer services director, said: “Our staff realise the gravity of the situation and the real difficulty some of our colleagues in the NHS have experienced over the last 72 hours in getting to and from their work.

Another SP staff member, Barry Harvey, helped care worker Jackie Leggatt battle through the snow from her home in Armadale, West Lothian to a patient who needs palliative care at her home in Shieldhill, Falkirk.

Mr Jefferson said: “We have a fleet of 4x4 vehicles and engineers who are able to deal with driving in adverse conditions, and we are happy to help communities wherever we can.”

With further weather warnings still in place, SP Energy Networks has pledged to carry on helping wherever possible in affected areas.

Alongside their great efforts, SP Energy Networks assure customers that their power is holding up well and there hasn’t been any major disruption to the electricity network.

A statement on their website reads: “Our network in Central Scotland is holding up well despite the heavy snowfall we’ve seen over past 72 hours. Currently we’re operating at ‘business as usual’ levels, but we will continue to monitor any change in conditions.

“Our teams are facing considerable challenges travelling to the few locations where we do have minor issues which may elongate the restoration of some customer supplies, but customers are being kept well informed via our call centres.

“We’d advise anyone who does experience power outages to ring the national 105 helpline. The quicker we are alerted to a power cut, the quicker we can respond.”