United Kingdom, Scotland: SSEN Distribution has announced the partners that will help renew and strengthen its existing overhead electricity network across the north of Scotland in the coming years.
Following a competitive process, Aureos Energy, IES Utilities Group, Ipsum Group and Network Distribution Services have been selected to deliver different parts of the programme. Around $400 M (£300 M) will be invested in local electricity networks during the first five years of the agreements.
The work will focus on SSEN Distribution’s network of overhead power lines, much of which is supported by wooden poles and plays a key role in carrying electricity over long distances to communities across northern Scotland.
The company said a stronger network is needed as electricity demand increases, with more homes and businesses using clean power for heating and transport. More resilient overhead lines are also becoming increasingly important as severe storms and extreme weather become more frequent.
The planned works will help increase network capacity, enabling customers who need new connections or additional power to connect more easily. They will also reinforce infrastructure so it can better withstand difficult weather conditions while maintaining a low visual impact in the landscape.
Each partner will cover a specific area. Aureos will continue work in the Highlands, Skye, Western Isles and Orkney, while adding Shetland. IES Utilities will support work in Aberdeenshire and most of Moray. Ipsum will cover the Inner Hebrides, Argyll, Kintyre and Arran, while NDS will work in Perthshire, Stirling, Dundee and Angus.
The framework agreements run for an initial five years, with an option for a further three-year extension.
Source: SSEN
