SSEN Distribution is set to invest £450 million in upgrading electricity distribution infrastructure across the north of Scotland, in a move designed to improve network resilience and support the region’s path to net zero.

The investment will enhance the existing system by replacing wooden poles and overhead lines, modernising substations, and reinforcing underground networks. It aims to provide additional capacity to accommodate low-carbon technologies such as EV chargers, solar panels, and heat pumps.

The programme, running until the end of the decade, will support or create at least 300 skilled jobs, with work to be carried out across nine sub-regions in the license area.

Five delivery partners have been selected following a competitive tender process: OCU Utility Services Ltd, Clancy Ltd, Freedom Group Ltd, Macaulay Askernish Ltd, and Brush Group (including KUS Power Engineering and McGowan Group).

Fraser Hood, SSEN’s Director of Large Capital Delivery, said: “The transformative investment we’re making means we’re in the best-possible position to deliver an electricity system which will support sustainable economic growth, benefit the environment in the decades to come, and create significant job opportunities.”

The upgrade supports SSEN’s RIIO-ED2 commitments and the SSE Group’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme Plus (NZAP+), with the Scottish Government welcoming the initiative.

Gillian Martin MSP, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, stated: “I welcome this substantial investment… which will not only bring benefits for our workforce, our supply chains, and our economies but also support our net zero targets.”

Source: ssen.co.uk