A major section of Cumbria’s power network is to be upgraded as part of a multimillion-pound project helping improve reliability as electricity demand increases.
Electricity North West, which operates the power network throughout the county, has commenced work on its £3.4m scheme from Carlisle to Morton Park.
The project, which will benefit more than 11,000 properties throughout the city and surrounding areas, will see teams of engineers install 8KM of new 33,000-volt underground electricity cables and once complete and energised, the current overhead power network spanning 14KM will be removed.
Initial works have now started which includes excavating and the laying of ducts where the cables will eventually sit.
George Manton, who is overseeing the project for Electricity North West, said: “This is a huge project for the city of Carlisle and the surrounding areas.
“The work, part of our annual investment programme, is very complex, the new underground cables will replace ageing overhead lines and will provide a secure supply a generation.
“We have been working with a team of specialist delivery partners and following months of planning and initial trial hole works taking place last year, we’re now delighted to get going and once the work is complete it will have major long-term benefits for the people of the city and its surrounding areas.”
Work on the project is expected to last 12 months and while engineers are carrying out work in the roads, temporary traffic lights will be used for safety reasons when working on sections in the public highway.
George Manton added: “This is a major project for Carlisle, unfortunately this work will cause some disruption, but we’ll keep it to a minimum and I thank everybody for their cooperation, patience and support.
“The work we’re now carrying out is essential because as the country moves away from traditional fossil fuels for things like heating and transport everyone will be using more electricity for electric heat pumps and electric vehicles.
“That’s why it’s important we provide more capacity on the power network to meet the growing demand, so customers are in a position to adopt low carbon technologies.”
For more information about Electricity North West, please visit www.enwl.co.uk.
