ScottishPower is investing £12 million in a major project to upgrade underground power cables in the Wishaw area. The cables run from the main grid substation at Gowkthrapple to the original Ravenscraig site, where they once provided supplies to the steel works. Predominantly the cables now provide supply for industrial customers at Dalziel Steel Works and BOC Gases, but also provide added security to the local area network.

The existing cables have now reached the end of their service life and the upgrade will greatly enhance the reliability of electricity supplies, reducing the disruption that can be caused by faults and repairs.

The work will also take into account the future redevelopment plans for the Ravenscraig site. The routes for the new cables will assist with the development plans and ScottishPower is also in discussions with the development consortium regarding a potential relocation of the existing Ravenscraig substation to maximise the future plans for the area.

Tony Hagan, project manager at ScottishPower, said: “This is a major investment project that will enhance the reliability of electricity supplies to major businesses in the Wishaw area, as well as helping to protect the supplies to local residents. By reducing the number of faults, we will see a long-term reduction in the amount of repair work that needs to be carried out and the disruption that can cause.

”The timing of the work has also allowed us to link-in with the Ravenscraig developers, meaning our cable routes can be designed around their plans - which will be of benefit to that project in the future.”

Work is due to begin at the end of August and is expected to be completed in December. ScottishPower has been planning the project closely with North Lanarkshire Council and traffic management measures will be put in place during the work.

Media Information: Paul Ferguson 0141 566 4515 / 07702 665 924