SP Energy Networks has launched a new children’s book aimed at helping families prepare for power cuts during the UK’s storm season, using storytelling to share practical safety advice with young readers and their carers.
Created in partnership with award winning author and illustrator Emily MacKenzie, Walter and Skye’s Stormy Night introduces two puppy characters who face a power cut during a wild night of weather. The book is designed for children under five and is intended for bedtime, nursery, and group reading settings.
The story follows brother and sister puppies Walter and Skye as strong winds cause the lights to flicker and eventually go out. Rather than focusing on fear, the narrative shows the puppies using a storm kit they prepared in advance, helping them stay warm, calm, and safe in the dark.
SP Energy Networks, the electricity distribution operator responsible for delivering power across Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside, and Cheshire, developed the project as part of its wider customer safety and awareness work. The book was released during peak storm season, when adverse weather can increase the risk of temporary power outages.
More than 2,000 printed copies of the book are being distributed to nurseries, libraries, and playgroups across SP Energy Networks’ service areas over the winter period. A free digital version is also available through the company’s website, allowing families to access the story at home.
Alongside the narrative, the book includes clear guidance for households on how to prepare for storms and possible power cuts. These include keeping a wind-up torch nearby, ensuring power banks are fully charged, knowing the emergency helpline number, and registering for the Priority Services Register for customers who may need extra support.
Emily MacKenzie is known for her illustrated children’s books, including Wanted! Ralfy, Rabbit Book Burglar, Stanley the Amazing Knitting Cat, Eric Makes a Splash!, and Help! Ralfy Rabbit and the Great Library Rescue. She has twice been shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize and works using a mix of coloured pencils, pens, gouache, inks, and rubber stamps.
Emily MacKenzie said: “I loved the idea of turning a wild, windy night into something exciting rather than scary. Walter and Skye are the kind of friends you’d want by your side when the lights go out – curious, brave and ready to spring into action! As I painted each page, I thought about the families who might read it together, wrapped up in blankets, learning these simple tips without even realising they’re learning. My hope is that children will remember the characters and when a storm comes along, SP Energy Networks makes them feel ready and safe.”
SP Energy Networks says the use of a children’s story offers a different way to reach families with information that is often shared through leaflets or online guidance. By embedding safety messages into a familiar reading routine, the company aims to support household preparedness without causing anxiety.
Kendal Morris, Customer Service Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “We’re always looking for innovative ways to help our customers prepare for bad weather so partnering with the incredible Emily MacKenzie to create a children’s story felt like a great way to engage families. While power cuts are rare, it’s really important that parents and all our customers know what to do if the lights go out. Our teams are working round the clock this winter to keep the power flowing.”
The project also forms part of a partnership with Scottish Book Trust, helping the book reach a wider audience through existing early years reading networks. Scottish Book Trust runs Bookbug, a national programme that supports children’s literacy through free books, songs, and shared reading sessions.
On Thursday 5 February, SP Energy Networks and Scottish Book Trust hosted a live Bookbug reading at Central Children’s Library in Edinburgh. Families attended a session led by Emily MacKenzie, where the story was read aloud and children were able to take home signed copies.
Scottish Book Trust also shared the book through the Bookbug network and its free app, helping extend its reach beyond in-person events. The organisation works with libraries, nurseries, and community groups across the country to promote early reading and family engagement.
Marc Lambert, CEO at Scottish Book Trust, said: “Stories are a wonderful way for children and families to bond, and Walter and Skye’s Stormy Night does just that. It’s a charming story with beautiful illustrations that will help families to be prepared for stormy winter weather. We’re proud to share this adventure through Bookbug, and help the book to reach families across the country.”
Storms have become a recurring feature of UK winters, often bringing high winds and heavy rainfall that can disrupt infrastructure. Distribution network operators such as SP Energy Networks are responsible for maintaining local electricity networks and restoring supplies when faults occur.
Alongside operational response, network operators are increasingly focused on customer communication and preparedness, particularly for households with young children, older residents, or people with additional needs. The Priority Services Register provides free additional support during power cuts for eligible customers, including welfare calls and tailored updates.
By combining practical advice with a child friendly story, SP Energy Networks says the book is intended to support conversations within families about what to do if the power goes out, without causing alarm. The company plans for the book to be used both at home and in group settings where children can discuss storms and safety together.
Walter and Skye’s Stormy Night is available free of charge online via the SP Energy Networks website, with printed copies continuing to be distributed across the company’s regions throughout the winter.
