Energy / SSEN confirms £2.7m investment in electricity network
POWER supplies in Shetland should become more reliable and resilient as Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN) embarks on a programme of £2.7 million investment in the local electricity distribution network.
The works include:-
- replacing the 11kilovolt (kV) switchboard at Sumburgh substation;
- upgrading existing infrastructure at Sumburgh with fully automated equipment to restore power much quicker in the event of a power cut; this work has started and is ongoing;
- replacing the existing substation at Gremista with modern equipment;
- installing a new 33kV underground cable from Dale to Scalloway, as well as reinforcing the existing network to Scalloway substation and providing an alternate route for the electricity powering properties in Scalloway, Gulberwick, Quarff and Cunningsburgh; this work will be starting this year;
- replacing overhead lines with underground cables in Yell and Voe;
- creating a new substation at Sella Ness to strengthen the network serving the local industrial estate;
- removing three overhead power lines at Lerwick Power Station to ensure the safety of high load vehicles travelling in the area,
Shetland operations manager George Priest said: “With Shetland experiencing some of the most severe weather conditions in the winter months, it’s critical we continue to regularly invest in the local electricity network, installing new cables, upgrading substations and replacing electrical equipment to provide the power our customers depend on every day.”
None of the works is related to the ongoing construction work of the Viking Energy wind farm.
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