SSEN invests £200m into distribution network

British utility SSEN has announced an investment of more than £200 million ($258.8 million) to future-proof and enhance the electricity distribution network across Oxfordshire.

In a release, SSEN states that the investment aims to improve the resilience of the distribution network, unlock more electricity capacity and make the network more resilient in the face of a volatile climate.

The programme of works will be delivered with SSEN’s partner OCU Group, a construction engineering company.

To be carried out between now and the turn of the decade, the programme of works will take place across the region, including in Oxford City, Headington and Yarnton, and will support homes and businesses in three key areas.

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First, the investment will enable the connection of low carbon technologies like EV chargers and heat pumps, and support new renewable community and small-scale generation like solar, to produce more clean, green energy for local use.

Second, the upgrade will create a more secure and flexible supply system, says SSEN, reaching 270,000 homes and businesses.

Third, the project will result in much of the work taking place within existing substation sites, which will have very little impact on neighbouring communities, while in other areas modernisation work and cable replacement, will be more visible.

In the release, Carl Pates, SSEN’s Oxfordshire project director, commented: “This project will have a positive impact on the local area, and it will be carried out considerately, so the works themselves have as little impact as possible on neighbouring communities.

“One of the ways in which we are doing this is to plan years ahead and take steps now to prevent disruption in the future, such as our project to put multiple sections of cable under the ground at the start of these works. This will be future-proofed and ready to support forthcoming connections to the network, so we’ll only need to work in some areas once, with no need to return each time a new connection is added.”

Said councillor Dr Pete Sudbury, Deputy Leader Oxfordshire County Council with responsibility for Climate Change, Environment & Future Generations:

“This enhanced electricity network will help end the problems connecting new housing to the grid, and support the increasing use of electric vehicles, solar panels and heat pumps.

“It will improve energy security and help protect us from the impacts of extreme weather. It will also add to Oxfordshire’s reputation as a forward-thinking county, keen to lead the way with new technologies and developing more STEM careers for the next generation.”