UK – Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution, a subsidiary of UK-based energy company SSE, has unveiled plans to invest $5.7 billion in its networks and services.

SSEN distribution managing director Chris Burchell said: “The need to transform our energy system to address the climate emergency has never been clearer and it is critical that local electricity networks are an enabler rather than a constraint as we work toward a shared net zero future.”

SSEN’s $5.7 billion investment in its networks and services over the five-year RIIO-ED2 represents about 35% increase compared to RIIO-ED1, reports NS Energy

The company has allocated over $554 million from the total investment to improve service for customers and digitalising systems.

It would invest around $3 billion in asset reliability and resilience, allocating half of it to target network resilience, creating a base for the net zero demands.

Also, more than $1.3 billion will be used to advance net zero for communities, including investment in network and flexible solutions to deliver an additional 2 GW of new network capacity.

Furthermore, the company is expected to incur over $692 million in general running costs.

Operating as Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) and Southern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD), SSEN powers 3.8 million homes and businesses in communities across the north of Scotland and central southern England.

Burchell added: “There will inevitably be a degree of uncertainty in the years ahead as energy policy and targets continue to accelerate, therefore it is essential that Ofgem supports us by providing an agile regulatory framework that helps deliver a network where customers can switch to EVs and other net zero technologies with ease at a time they choose.

“We will continue working with our customers and stakeholders over the coming months to further refine our proposals and help strengthen our plan to power communities to net zero.”

Source: NSEnergy