ScottishPower Energy Networks is carrying out a £12 million investment project to upgrade the 132,000 Volt substation at Whittington Road, Oswestry. The work is to replace the existing electrical infrastructure that has served the Oswestry, Ellesmere, Welshpool and Newtown areas for over 50 years, since the original electrification in the area from 1953.

The project started in 2012 with environmental, ecological and archaeological surveys, with construction work starting in earnest from April 2013. The completion of the project is scheduled for the summer of 2015, whereby 90,000 customers in the area will benefit from a more robust electrical distribution network.

The project is being undertaken by ScottishPower’s principal contractor Iberdrola Engineering and Construction, and planned work includes new buildings, replacement of the existing 132,000 volt switchgear and associated transformers. In addition ScottishPower are enhancing the local ecological environment by establishing ponds and habitats for the local wildlife.

Mark Sobczak at ScottishPower Energy Networks, said: “We are committed to investing in our electricity network, and this multi-million pound project will help to ensure that the network from Oswestry to Newtown and surrounding areas is modern and robust. Further, this project demonstrates ScottishPower’s commitment to local communities, the environment and our customers.”

The company is committed to keeping local residents and key stakeholders informed of the work, and every attempt is being made to avoid disruption to the local area. ScottishPower has developed a work programme that aims to not interrupt any supplies to customers during this upgrade.