What happens when the lights go off? Transforming an energy company’s response to power outages in extreme weather events Ed Hall, School of the Environment Thilo Kroll, SDHI David Colthart, SSE Irena Connon, KTP Research Associate
Challenges for SSEPD • Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution (SSE) operate in urban and rural areas in northern Scotland and southern England • Severe weather events more frequent > ‘keeping the lights on’ become more challenging • SSE attended House of Commons Select Committee • Recommendations of the Committee: – SSE relationship with communities and partner agencies crucial – Identification of ‘vulnerable’ individuals/groups and responding to their needs is paramount
The KTP project • Key challenge for SSEPD: – Disruption to electricity supply to local communities – Homes and care sites of ‘vulnerable’ people (disabled people, older people, people with chronic illness) – ‘Wellbeing gap’ between power loss and restoration
• SSEPD needs to transform its approach – New forms of engagement with and support for local communities – To address, in partnership, the wellbeing gap
• The project: > Understand how communities and agencies have responded > Develop and test effective solutions > Mobilise knowledge within SSE and communities in UK
Project phases Identification
Development
Implementation, Iteration and Dissemination
Training and Embedding of Knowledge