Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is inviting members of the local community to an information event to provide an insight into proposed works to connect renewable energy schemes to its network in Glen Etive.
SSEN is hosting the event in Glencoe to give local residents and interested stakeholders an opportunity to meet its project teams on Tuesday 14 May from 3pm to 7pm at St Mary's Church Hall, Main Street, Glencoe, PH49 4HS.
As the electricity distribution network owner for the north of Scotland, SSEN is responsible for providing connections to its network to meet the needs of generation and demand customers. As a regulated business, SSEN is obligated under its licence to develop the most economical solution and is committed to minimising the impact on the local environment, where possible.
The existing 11kilovolt (kV) line runs from the rear of the Kingshouse Hotel via the bottom of the Glencoe Ski Resort and mostly follows the public road to Glen Etive, providing a safe and reliable supply of electricity to surrounding homes and businesses.
To enable the connection of seven renewable energy schemes to SSEN's distribution network, there is a requirement to upgrade the existing 11kV line to operate at 33kV.
Martin McLean, Lead Engineer and Project Manager at SSEN, said:
"As a responsible developer, we have worked hard to balance the visual impact of the connections against the various engineering, environmental and economic considerations we have to factor in to our design to meet the needs of our connections customers."
"Whilst there will be a necessity for some additional wooden electricity poles to connect the schemes to our network, we are proposing to remove around 42 poles from the ski resort to Glen Etive, utilising existing network infrastructure in the area and undergrounding where possible."
"I'd encourage local community members and interested stakeholders to come along to the event, meet our project teams andprovide valued input andfeedback on our proposals."