The final phase to upgrade a section of Berkshire's power supply by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is under way, keeping the power flowing to customers and helping them achieve their net zero goals with a modern, efficient network.
In recent years, SSEN has invested �375,000 in two earlier stages of work in Ball Hill near Newbury, to improve and strengthen the village's power supply. The network operator is now investing a further �305,000 to upgrade the final section of the infrastructure, serving customers in Ball Hill and the surrounding areas of Marsh Benham and Hampstead Marshall.
This programme of works, which will complete in late July, will involve the re-stringing of the village's overhead power lines along with the replacement of 170 existing poles and seven transformers, providing local homes and businesses with a robust power supply fit for the future. Tree-cutting around the upgraded section will also be carried out to ensure the newly refurbished infrastructure is kept clear of nearby branches and vegetation which can interfere with the overhead lines, resulting in power cuts.
Network reliability is a key priority for SSEN and the communities it serves. Following a series of engagements with local stakeholders, SSEN planned the programme of works for Ball Hill and the surrounding areas to future-proof its infrastructure for customers' changing demands.
John Wright, Network Construction Manager for the project said:
"I'm delighted to be carrying out the final phase of these upgrade works that will provide a strong and resilient network for local homes and businesses; ensuring its reliability for years to come and as our customers move to achieve their net zero goals.
"For the duration of these works, our project team will have comprehensive safety measures in place to keep both customers and colleagues safe, and while we are unable to hold any engagement events I would like to reassure residents and business owners that we are available on site to address any questions raised."
He added:
"These works will be carried out with very minimal planned power supply interruptions. While these will only last a few minutes and customers will be notified well in advance, I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents of our Priority Services Register. Our free, additional service helps those who may be vulnerable in the event of a power cut and I would encourage our customers to sign up to benefit from this extra assistance."
SSEN offers free, additional support to customers that need it through its Priority Services Register (PSR). Customers can qualify if they:
- Are deaf or hard of hearing
- Have a disability
- Live with children under five
- Are blind or partially sighted
- Have a chronic illness
- Use medical equipment/aids reliant on electricity
- Are over 60
- Are categorised at �high risk' and �extremely high risk' of severe illness from coronavirus.
To find out more about the PSR, clickhereor call 0800 294 3259.
SSEN's investment in Berkshire will ensure a power supply that suits the needs of residents now and in to the future. By upgrading this section of the local infrastructure, SSEN is helping its customers to achieve their decarbonisation ambitions; so as more of them turn to low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, they have a supply and network that's fit for purpose.
SSEN is undertaking these works in adherence with the Government's coronavirus guidelines. These include strict hygiene measures, enhanced Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and thorough safety checks in advance of any work to ensure the safety of both colleagues and customers.