No heating on Christmas Day
Residents in a Hillfoots village were left without heating on Christmas Day following a power outage.
Properties in Tillicoultry suffered the power cut on Christmas Eve, with power restored by midnight.
However, the power surge caused an issue with boilers not working due to control boards being damaged.
Clackmannanshire Council and SP Energy Networks worked to reconnect the affected properties.
Teams of electricians and gas engineers from SPEN were supported by the council’s own engineers and electricians along with council workers from Stirling, Falkirk and East Lothian Councils. They worked throughout the festive period to ensure as many affected residents as possible had heating and hot water.
Residents whose repairs have been more complex have been offered portable heaters or alternative hotel accommodation.
Clackmannanshire Council leader, Councillor Ellen Forson, said: “This was the worst possible time of the year for the residents of Tillicoultry to be affected by this power cut.
“When I visited Tillicoultry on Christmas Day and on Boxing Day, I was impressed by the effort to resolve the issues.
“The team from SP Energy Networks came from all over central Scotland to assist, supported not by our council staff but also those from neighbouring local authorities who gave up precious time with their own families to help our residents. Despite the difficult and challenging circumstances, morale was high with the workers I spoke to at the response co-ordination centre.
“The sheer volume of work that has been carried out to get electricity and heating back to residents as quickly as possible has been incredible and I would like to thank all the workers involved. Their efforts are very much appreciated not only by me but I am sure from all the residents who have been affected.”
Guy Jefferson, SPEN Customer Service Director, said: “We are continuing to work in the village with Clackmannanshire Council to resolve any outstanding issues caused by the fault and are keeping the community up-to-date as our work progresses
“We would like to thank our customers for their continued patience and offer our sincere apologies to all those affected by the power cut.”
Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside Community Council took to social media to offer updates.
A SPEN Information point was set up with mobile phone charge points, free hot food and drinks on offer at Murray Square.
One resident took to the community council Facebook page to thank those who offered support. Nicola Murrie posted: “Can I just say thank you to everyone who’s offered help and support to those of us affected by Thursday’s power outage.
“I’m lucky I got mine back on late on Christmas Eve (even later for the heating!) with only damage to my thermostat/heating timer control thing on the wall, that they’ve had to bypass as it kept tripping my boiler, but there’s still folk without any power or heating at all.
“Just shows what a fab community we’ve got, when something huge like this happens!”
SPEN representatives are now focussing on visiting properties to assess any damaged appliances and replace or repair them.