Around one million pounds has been invested by SP Energy Networks to upgrade the electricity network in Cupar, Fife ahead of winter.

The project will see 12.6km of overhead cables replaced along with the 300 poles which help carry power across the area. Older cables that have come to the end of their lifespan will be removed and a new insulated overhead line put in place to ensure improved network performance during periods of storms and high winds.

A team of around 25 SP Energy Networks engineers and technicians are working in and around the town of Cupar, with work to improve the network scheduled to complete in August this year.

Residents and business will benefit from improved performance in the network with a reduced risk of technical problems leading to power cuts. Many of the overhead cables have been replaced at an increased height to give better clearance to large or farm vehicles in the area.

Across the Central and Fife District, SP Energy Networks connects nearly 400,000 homes and businesses to the electricity grid via 11,450km of overhead and underground cables and 4,365 substations.

A significant programme of improvements within the Central and Fife District began last year and will see over £150million invested in the network with scheduled completion in 2023.

Peter Joyce, SP Energy Networks Head of Delivery Central and Fife District, said: “The work being carried out on the local electrical network involves upgrading both High voltage and Low voltage overhead lines, which are all supplied from the primary electrical substation in Cupar. The network has performed well over the course of its lifespan, but now requires modernisation and is being refurbished or replaced.

“SP Energy Networks has developed a work programme that aims to minimise essential interruption to local power supplies. The work will ensure that customers will benefit from improved reliability during spells of poor weather in future.”