We've published details of the next phase of our £200m upgrade to Oxfordshire’s electricity network. Work will begin in the new year to upgrade Cowley substation, in the south-east of Oxford. This will involve the installation of state-of-the-art network equipment to increase electricity capacity for homes and businesses in the area, and to ensure even greater reliability for customers.
The upgrade programme for Oxfordshire’s electricity infrastructure began in August, with the start of work to install new high-voltage underground cables along Grenoble Road in Oxford. The schedule of works will continue through to early 2027, and are being delivered on our behalf by OCU Group.
While these cable-laying works continue, the substation upgrade will deliver a range of complementary improvements. The installation of the latest transformers and new plant equipment will increase the network’s capacity as more people and companies look to install heat pumps, charge up electric vehicles, and generate and export their own clean power via solar panels. This investment will also make the local network even more resilient and reliable in an increasingly volatile climate. This work will have only minimal disruption to people in the area.
Teams from SSEN Distribution and our contract partner OCU Group will be at the Leys Pool & Leisure Centre on Pegasus Rd, Oxford, OX4 6JL, on Wednesday 3 December between 3 and 7pm to meet residents, explain more about the works and answer any questions.
Florence Hickling, SSEN Distribution’s project manager says:
“This investment is a significant step in enabling even more reliable and resilient electricity supplies for homes, schools, public services and businesses in Oxfordshire. It will also unlock the additional capacity needed to power new homes and developments, electric vehicle charging, solar energy, and low-carbon heating.”
Paul Armer from OCU Group, says:
“We’re pleased with how the works have gone so far, and we’re looking forward to meeting people on 3 December. These works are vital for Oxford, but we also understand the importance of explaining what we’re doing.”
The cable route along Grenoble Road was selected as the most direct and cost-efficient, and work has been carefully scheduled to minimise disruption. Temporary two-way traffic lights are being used to maintain vehicle flow.
We're working closely with Oxfordshire County Council and other local utility projects to ensure the smooth running of the works.
This work is being carried out Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. Additional measures are in place to maintain pedestrian access and accommodate residents with specific access needs, including emergency and refuse services.
There are no planned power supply interruptions during these works. Residents and businesses will be kept updated throughout the project via signs, pop-up events, door-knocking, and regular communications.
To stay informed or contact the project team, please visit this page.