THE city of Aberdeen and surrounding areas are set to benefit from a smarter and more resilient electricity network, thanks to a multi-million pound investment by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).
The £10 million investment programme over the next two years will see new electrical equipment installed across the city, including new, innovative devices to restore power to SSEN’s customers should faults occur.
SSEN’s teams have been working on upgrading the network, with 10 primary substations undergoing complete replacement works and a new 33kV cable between Dyce and Kingseat to ensure a safe and reliable supply of power to local homes and businesses.
People living and working in Springhill, Bridge of Don, Kincorth, Craigiebuckler, St Machar, Dyce, Craigton, Stoneywood, Mastrick, Woodside, Old Aberdeen, Altens, Cove and Westhill will benefit from SSEN’s initial investment as its teams install upgraded equipment to replace substations built in the 1960s and nearing the end of their operational life.
The network operator is also investing £850,000 to install automated equipment in 25 secondary substations, complementing its main substation investment programme and making Aberdeen’s electricity network smarter.
The self-adapting automation system detects when, and where, there is a fault on the network, then either chooses the most suitable alternative cable circuit to switch supplies to or sends a signal to the main control room where engineers can restore power with the push of a button. All of this is done in just a matter of minutes, significantly reducing disruption to customers.
Michael Hilferty, head of region for North Caledonia at SSEN, said: “This programme of investment across Aberdeen will ensure local communities continue to receive the power they need, both now and in the future.
“Investment projects like these are vital to help us deliver on our commitment to provide a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to our customers.”
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