The city of Aberdeen and surrounding areas will benefit from a smarter, more resilient electricity network, thanks to a multi-million pound investment by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).
The £10 million investment programme, over the next two years, will see new electrical equipment installed across the city, including innovative devices to restore power to SSEN's customers should faults occur.
SSEN's teams have been working to upgrade the network, with 10 primary substations undergoing complete replacement works and a new 33 kilovolt (kV) cable between Dyce and Kingseat to ensure a safe and reliable supply of power to local homes and businesses.
People living and working in Springhill, Bridge of Don, Kincorth, Craigiebuckler, St Machar, Dyce, Craigton, Stoneywood, Mastrick, Woodside, Old Aberdeen, Altens, Cove and Westhill will see the benefit of SSEN's initial investment as its teams install upgraded equipment to replace substations built in the 1960s and nearing the end of their operational life.
The network operator is also investing £850,000 to install automated equipment in 25 secondary substations, complementing its main substation investment programme and making Aberdeen's electricity network smarter.
The innovative and self-adapting automation system detects when, and where, there is a fault on the network, then either chooses the most suitable alternative cable circuit to switch supplies to or sends a signal to the main control room where engineers can restore power with the push of a button. All of this is done in just a matter of minutes, significantly reducing disruption to customers.
This ongoing programme of investment follows a £1.1 million boost to the city which saw the installation of a new 11kV automated switchboard in the Woodhill substation near Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, giving SSEN's engineers remote control from its control room in Perth to re-route power around the network, ensuring quicker restoration times for its customers.
Michael Hilferty, Head of Region for North Caledonia at SSEN, said:
"This programme of investment across Aberdeen will ensure local communities continue to receive the power they need, both now and in the future."
"The installation of modernised equipment on the network will enable our teams to minimise the risk of power cuts and smarter systems like automation allow us to restore supplies much quicker in the event of a fault. Investment projects like these are vital to help us deliver on our commitment to provide a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to our customers."
Separately, SSEN was praised for its approach to recent upgrade works in central Aberdeen as part of this wider investment.
John Stuart, Team Leader, Aberdeen City Council, said:
"I'd like to thank SSEN for laying on hot food and drink for our residents as they carried out the replacement of substations at Balgownie Court and St Ninian's Court last month."
"It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside such an organised team who genuinely value supporting their customers as they work to carry out essential works across the city."