Upgrade works by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to improve and strengthen the resilience of the electricity infrastructure for the 27,000 customers living in and around Chichester have now been completed.
Network reliability is a key priority for SSEN and the customers it serves. Following a series of public engagements, SSEN took the decision to make the investment in Chichester to further improve network resilience and future proof its infrastructure for customers' changing demands. This is part of SSEN's commitment to taking a "you said, we did" approach to investing in its vital infrastructure.
The comprehensive programme of works upgraded equipment across three substations and included the refurbishment of large sections of the underground cable network.
SSEN's Project Lead, Graham Humpston said:
"I am delighted to complete this project which will ensure the resilience of the local electricity network for years to come. I would like to thank local residents and businesses for their patience during the works. Since the start of this project, we have worked closely with the communities, agencies and authorities in Chichester to ensure minimum disruption to homes and businesses as we upgrade the city's network."
"We are delighted that some of the final touches to these works were to reinstate Chichester's Yorkshire slate and decorative paving, which had been covered up while works were underway."
SSEN completed this work in compliance with government guidelines on social distancing and the use of enhanced Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), to ensure safety for customers in the area and for colleagues working on the project. SSEN's working guidelines included the implementation of a one person one van policy and thorough safety checks in advance of any work.