As a Transmission and Distribution Network Operator, we are generally responsible for the overhead lines, cables and substations providing the electricity service to your home or business. This means that we look after the service cable, either overhead or underground, and the termination or main fuse that’s often found in the electricity meter box or near to your electricity meter. 

If you notice any unusual noises or smells from the electricity service termination, please contact us on 105 or through our Power Track App. 

We can provide plans for our equipment and offer a tracing service, so you know where our cables run. You can also register with Linesearch Before You Dig to obtain plans and records for the networks. 

Tree cutting or hedge trimming can present a risk of contact with an overhead power line or electricity service wires. Before you start work, check the area affected and keep away from any overhead wires. We can check the cables for safety, measure the height and offer advice and guidance for you or your contractor.  

Electric and magnetic fields (often referred to as EMFs) and the electromagnetic forces they represent are an essential part of the physical world and of life itself. Their sources are the charged fundamental particles of matter (principally electrons and protons). 

Electric and magnetic fields occur naturally within the body in association with nerve and muscle activity. We also experience the natural magnetic field of the Earth (to which a magnetic compass responds) and natural electric fields in the atmosphere.  EMFs are produced whenever electricity is used, in the home, office, or anywhere else. Electric fields are produced by voltage and Magnetic fields by current. 

Most of us get some minor exposure from distribution wires, either buried along the street or supported on wood poles, or from the wiring and appliances in our homes. We are also exposed to some short-duration higher field exposures when we pass close to electrical appliances such as fridges, microwaves and computers. 

Electricity substations also produce magnetic fields, but you need to be very close to them and generally inside the perimeter fence, to get an elevated exposure. 

The UK Government set exposure limits for EMFs and the electricity system complies with these. The limits are designed to prevent all established effects of fields on the body. 

EMF enquiries are dealt with by the SSEN Operational Safety Team, who understand the electricity network and health and safety. In conjunction with the EMFs – The Facts booklet above, we’re able to provide you with a plan of the nearest SSEN electricity network equipment so that you can easily identify your proximity to our equipment. If you still have any questions, our team is available to discuss the subject and can, if necessary, take measurements of the field levels outside the property.  

If you need further guidance or advice, please contact us on 0345 072 4323, and speak with one of our Fault Dispatch Team. To make sure we’re best placed to help you, we’ll need to know your address, contact details and the nature of your concern. We aim to respond to all requests within 5 working days. 

All electricity transformers make some noise, usually a very quiet hum, as a result of the alternating current electricity being applied. It’s unusual for this noise to be noticeable under normal situations, but sometimes on a cold clear quiet night you might be able to hear it when you’re close to the fence or pole. 

If you think the humming noise is really loud, please get in touch by sending us a message. If you think the noise is unusual or needs more urgent investigation, please let us know by calling 105 or using our Power Track App.