SSEN has started work on a major project to protect the power supply for more than 700 properties in Maud, New Deer and New Blyth, making the network more robust, resilient and reliable.

Work on the £350,000 project by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution started in September and is scheduled to run until the end of November.

The project includes re-wiring 8.5km of the overhead network with new power lines as well as carrying out inspections of over 600 poles, replacing any which are approaching the end of their scheduled working lifespan, or show signs of weather-damage.

With the area around Maud and New Deer having such a large farming community, SSEN was keen to avoid carrying out this essential work during harvest season, and so made sure that the project started after all the local fields had been cut.

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To ensure the safety of the local community and SSEN's teams as they work, power is being turned off temporarily in sections as works are carried out. To minimise disruption to local homes and businesses, customer power supplies will be maintained where possible, using mobile generators to keep the power flowing.

In addition to temporary interruptions to supplies as mobile generators are connected and disconnected, some planned power interruptions are required to safely carry out pole replacements. SSEN has informed customers in advance of any interruptions to supplies and would like to thank members of the local community for their patience.

SSEN's Head of Region, Michael Hilferty, said: "These works form part of our ongoing programme of investment in Aberdeenshire to provide a safe and reliable supply of electricity to the homes and businesses we serve.

"The safety of our customers and staff working on the network is paramount, and while we're committed to keeping disruption to a minimum through the use of mobile generators, I'd like to apologise for any short interruptions to customer power supplies as these essential works are carried out.

"The overhead lines, along with the wooden poles which support them, are an integral part of our network across the region, and this essential work around Maud and New Deer will ensure that the local infrastructure can continue to deliver the best possible service for our customers this coming winter, and for many years to come."