Improvement works by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to boost the power supply to over 17,000 customers in a Hampshire market town will be entering its second and final phase at the end of January.
The first phase of Alton's upgrade project was completed in November 2019, with the next stage of the £1.3 million investment having been paused to allow residents and business owners to embrace the festive season without restricting any access to the local area's well-established Christmas markets.
Over £600,000 will now be invested to complete the project, to build and maintain a resilient electricity supply fit for the future of the busy market town, when works get underway again on 27 January 2020 on Turk Street, High Street and Market Street and continue until completion in April 2020.
SSEN's Project Manager, Richard Clark is leading the Alton upgrade project and explains further:
"As with the initial stage of these works, SSEN took the needs of Alton's local residents and businesses into account and carefully considered a plan that would minimise any possible disruption to the town.
"This final phase will also work to accommodate local requirements to bring about the successful completion of this significant investment in Alton, to support a robust power supply for those living and working here. I want to thank local residents for their patience as we complete these essential works."
Network reliability is a key priority for SSEN and the customers it serves. Following a series of engagements with its customers SSEN took the decision to make this considerable investment in Alton 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.
While SSEN does not anticipate any interruptions to the power supply during these works, it is aware that people can feel vulnerable when their electricity goes off, especially during severe weather and customers can join the Priority Services Register if they:
- Are deaf or hard of hearing
- Have a disability
- Live with children under five
- Are blind or partially sighted
- Have a chronic illness
- Use medical equipment/aid reliant on electricity
- Are over 60
By registering for SSEN's PSR, customers will be proactively contacted to warn them of potential bad weather to help them prepare and to offer extra support where required. SSEN's teams will also keep in close and regular contact with its PSR customers during network outages to check they are getting the help they need.
To find out more about the PSR, click here, or call 0800 294 3259. For more information on all the support available from SSEN, and for helpful advice on preparing for and dealing with a power cut, please visit our webpage.