Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson wants a scheme where sockets could be provided in warm hubs and vulnerable people’s homes to hook up to generators.
He highlighted problems raised during Storm Eowyn where generators were available but required an electrician to hook them up – often taking three to four days.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP called on the Scottish Government to investigate a system where sockets could already be place to deal with the aftermath of storms.
More than 51,000 homes were left without power during the recent storm bringing with it significant damage to the power transmission network across much of the Dumfries and Galloway region.
Speaking at Holyrood, Mr Carson said: “The cabinet secretary will be well aware that the south of Scotland – Dumfries and Galloway, in particular – was affected more than many communities, with the A75 being closed for some time.
“Another lesson that can be learned is in relation to people in Dumfries and Galloway whose power was off for almost a week. One of the main issues was a failure to connect generators.”
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP praised Scottish Power whom he described as being “very reactive and responsive” in ensuring people on the priority list had generators, but some had to wait three or four days for electricians to connect the generators.
He continued: “Will the cabinet secretary, given her remit, work with her colleagues to look at a potential scheme, whereby sockets could be provided in warm hubs and vulnerable people’s homes to allow generators to be connected as a matter of urgency, instead of the process taking three or four days?”
Fiona Hyslop, the Cabinet Secretary, confirmed she will now discuss that suggestion with her Cabinet colleagues.
She responded to Mr Carson, saying: “We can always learn lessons – those that have been learned from Storm Arwen helped to improve the response this time around.
“Lessons are learned from every storm, so I will take Finlay Carson’s suggestion to the relevant minister and ask them to respond on how that might be taken forward, if the energy companies think that it would be helpful.”
Afterwards the local MSP welcomed the news, insisting any future action that can potentially speed up restoring heat and warmth to his constituents during harrowing times had to be given careful consideration regardless of cost.
He said: “In a situation like the one we faced with Storm Eowyn where people were left without power and electricity for many days, it is important that contingency plans are in place to speed up future weather related situations.”
