Mr Matheson said they were in charge of maintaining the electricity network and argued that vulnerable customers should “contact their energy supplier through their customer care line in order to make sure that they are seen as a priority customer”.

However, he was challenged about the case of a couple in Berwickshire, who have had no power since 5pm last Friday and claimed they have had “no offer of help” since then.

In a text message to BBC Radio Scotland, which conducted the interview, they said the husband had just come home following an emergency admission to Borders General Hospital and had impaired mobility. His wife had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was partially sighted but had been forced to cope in the dark with no assistance, they said.

Properties across the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Edinburgh, Fife, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Angus were battered by winds of up to 90mph last Friday.

‘Seeking to abdicate responsibility altogether’

Liam Kerr, the Scottish Tories’ shadow energy secretary, said: “Having been caught taking their eye off the ball in response to Storm Arwen, the SNP government are now seeking to abdicate responsibility altogether.

“There are thousands of homes across Scotland facing the prospect of a week without any power supply – and yet all Michael Matheson has done is pass the buck to the energy companies.”

SSEN said it had reconnected more than 120,000 homes cut off following the storm and pledged to reimburse all reasonable accommodation costs for any customer unable to make alternative arrangements.

Customers unable to access the company’s welfare facilities for free hot food and drinks can also claim the cost of takeaways or meals from local establishments, up to £15 per person.

Mr Keddie told BBC Good Morning Scotland: “For those localised faults, those faults that are serving a home or a group of homes, we are looking into Friday for restoration.”