Contact us
We are a considerate constructor and want to help answer any questions you may have.
Have a query?
You can email us at LCD@sse.com
Have a complaint?
You can email us at customercomplaints@ssen.co.uk or call us on 0800 980 1395.
Concerned about vulnerability in a power cut?
Visit www.ssen.co.uk/priorityservices or call us on 0800 284 3259.
Project Overview
We will be upgrading older sections of Overhead Lines (OHL) and key infrastructure, including transformers and substations. This will support the uptake of low-carbon technologies like heat pumps and EV chargers in peoples’ homes, while boosting the resilience of the network to cope with severe weather and storms.
The planned improvements will take place from Spring 2027. We will be working at Finstown, New Hatston, Quanter Ness and St Mary’s.
Finstown
At the centre of this programme is the construction of a new Grid Supply Point (GSP) at Finstown. This new substation will become the main connection point between Orkney’s distribution network and the wider transmission system, providing a more secure and flexible electricity supply for the local community.
What does the network upgrade involve?
- Construction of new Finstown GSP
- Transforming electricity from 33kV up to 220kV
- Installation of new sections of underground 33kV cabling
- Reinforcement and upgrading of existing overhead lines
- Removal of some overhead line sections
- Installation of a new 33kV switch room at Finstown GSP site
New Hatston Primary Substation
A new primary substation is proposed near Hatston Industrial Estate to meet forecast growth in electricity demand in Kirkwall and surrounding areas.
What does the network upgrade involve?
- Acquisition of land for a new primary substation site
- Construction of a substation housing two 33/11kV transformers
- Installation of 33kV and 11kV switchgear
- New dual-circuit 33kV underground cabling between Finstown GSP and Hatston
St Mary’s
The St Mary’s Reinforcement project will improve resilience for South Ronaldsay, Burray, Lamb Holm and Glimps Holm.
What does the network upgrade involve?
- New primary substations at St Mary’s and Grimness
- Installation of new 33/11kV transformers and switchgear
- Installation of a 2.5MVAr reactor at Grimness
- Approximately 20km of new 33kV underground cabling
- Cabling works across Churchill Barriers
Quanterness Wind Farm
As part of the wider Orkney network investment programme, a new electricity connection will be delivered to support the Quanterness Windfarm.
This project will strengthen Orkney’s renewable energy infrastructure and allow locally generated clean energy to be safely integrated into the wider electricity network.
What does the upgrade involve?
- Installation of a new 33kV circuit breaker at the Finstown GSP
- Approximately 10km of new underground 33kV cabling between Finstown and the Quanterness Windfarm
- Installation of a new 33kV switchboard at the windfarm site, including protection and auxiliary equipment
What are the key environmental considerations?
What is the anticipated impact on the community?
Temporary disruption to road users may occur along the A961 and surrounding routes. Updates on traffic management during the works will be communicated through local media, social media, Orkney Island Council and the Community Councils.
Material delivery routes, including the Churchill Barriers, will be carefully coordinated.
When complete, communities will benefit from increased capacity and improved security of supply.
Why is this important for the future energy security of local communities?
The existing network is supplied via a single radial connection. This means if there is an outage caused by a storm or severe weather; large sections of the network are impacted. These upgrades will significantly improve resilience, with additional capacity to manage periods of outage and support future growth and electrification.
How will we keep you informed as the project progresses?
We will engage with residents, landowners and key stakeholders throughout the project to provide updates and respond to queries.
Come and meet our team
Community Events
Holm Community Hall
Firth Community Hall