Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution has completed and energised its ambitious project to boost the resilience and flexibility of power supplies to around 75,000 Hampshire homes and businesses.
The £3.9 million upgrade to the Netley Common electricity infrastructure began in December 2021, with SSEN’s teams working to future-proof supplies and build resilience into an important section of Southampton’s network.
The programme of works was carried out in stages and included the design and complete rebuild of the two main transformers for the area. Additionally, the replacement of associated network equipment – with more modern and efficient equivalents – has ensured the development of a local power supply that can accommodate the changing needs of customers across Southampton, as they move to more low carbon technologies.
In addition to developing a more flexible network to meet Netley Common’s customer requirements now and in years to come, the completed project has strengthened the network against adverse weather events and reduced the potential risk of power cuts as we head into the winter months.
As SSEN is a considerate constructor, customers were enabled to discuss elements of the upgrade with the team and, as a result of these discussions, tree planting was carried out around a section of the network where local residents felt the new section stood out in its environment and needed to blend in more.
Ben Wollaston is SSEN’s Project Manager for the works. He said: “My team and I are delighted to have completed these works that deliver a more robust and resilient electricity infrastructure for those living and working in Netley Common and the wider Southampton area.
“We’d like to thank all of customers in the vicinity of the project for their patience and understanding while we worked to boost the strength and flexibility of their network.
“Our work will keep the power flowing to homes and businesses across the area, and will help our customers to meet their net zero goals through a network fit for their needs now and in to the future.”
SSEN’s works in Netley Common are just one phase of a series of planned upgrades by SSEN in the Southampton area, with a further project scheduled for early 2025 which will further improve the network through a proposed £3 million investment. This ongoing investment by SSEN ensures a power supply ready to meet the changing demands of homes and businesses, as more local customers turn to low carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.
