A £465,000 project to upgrade the electricity distribution infrastructure in mainland Shetland is now under way to ensure a robust and resilient electricity network for years to come.
Working in partnership with local contractor, EMN Plant Ltd, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution started work this week to install a new underground cable between Dale and Scalloway.
The investment will benefit over 3,500 properties on the mainland, with the new underground cable reinforcing the existing network to Scalloway substation and providing another route for the electricity powering homes and businesses in Scalloway, Gulberwick, Quarff and Cunningsburgh.
This project forms part of a multi-million pound programme of investment in Shetland's local electricity distribution network, with £2.7 million being invested over the next two years to ensure a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to local communities.
George Priest, SSEN's Shetland Operations Manager, said:
"We're pleased to be working in partnership with EMN Plant Ltd to deliver this significant investment on the mainland. The installation of the new underground cable will reinforce the existing network and provide an additional route so we can keep the power flowing to our customers during faults or maintenance works."
"We'd like to reassure the local community we'll do everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum as we work. This project forms part of our £2.7 million programme of investment in the local electricity network, installing new cables, upgrading substations and replacing electrical equipment to provide the power our customers depend on every day."
SSEN has proactively contacted all 3,500 properties to provide advanced notice of the works, details on the Priority Services Register and contact details for additional support, where required.
Customers are eligible to register for Priority Services 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/aids reliant on electricity
- Are over 60
- Are categorised at 'high risk' or 'extremely high risk' of severe illness from coronavirus
For more information, or to register, click here or call 0800 294 3259.
SSEN expects to complete all works by February 2021.To find out more about the £2.7 million investment in Shetland's local electricity network, please click here.