Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is investing £1.2 million to upgrade the electricity network serving Aberdeen.
Engineers recently started work to replace electrical equipment at Ruthrieston substation which has been delivering power to around 7,500 properties in the area since the 1960s.
Part of a £10 million programme of works to boost the electricity network across the city, this investment includes replacing transformers and circuit breakers inside the substation and installing automated equipment to restore power to customers much quicker in the event of a power cut.
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 SSEN's customers.
Michael Hilferty, Head of Region for North Caledonia at SSEN, said:
"Last year we announced a multi-million pound investment programme for Aberdeen and we're pleased to continue delivering on this commitment with another phase of works to upgrade power supplies in the city.
"We'd like to thank our customers for their patience as our teams work in the area, including transporting large transformers to the substation so homes and businesses continue to receive the power they need, now and in the future."
SSEN expects to complete these £1.2 million works by September 2020.