ScottishPower has started a major project to help improve the electricity supplies in Anglesey, supported by the Welsh Assembly.

At present the electricity infrastructure on the island is running to almost full capacity, meaning that further major business development is limited.
 
However, increased capacity in the electricity network through the construction of new reinforcement circuits on the island will allow businesses such as Parc Cybi development site to expand further and potentially create more jobs.

Ian Barraclough, project manager at ScottishPower said: “As a part of this major project we are installing a bespoke aluminium cabling bridge, attached to the A55 Anglesey causeway.  This will carry the cable over a seawater inlet which is built into the causeway itself.

“Because of this we have had to close one side of the A55 whilst the work was ongoing.  We apologise for the inconvenience but this work will be of great benefit to Anglesey when it is completed.

“We have looked at the best solution to provide Anglesey with more power for the future and which will help encourage inward investment to the island. We also looked for the most environmentally sustainable solution to providing more power.”

The cable arrived on the island on Tuesday (12th May).  Morrison Utility Services has undertaken the first phase of works to deliver the electricity infrastructure project with ScottishPower.   The project is due for completion in Autumn 2009.

John Coyne, Morrison Utility Services’ Area Director, said: “Working in partnership with ScottishPower we began rigorously planning this project from its initial design.  The scheme is unique and we faced some interesting challenges which we overcame by working closely with local environmental experts, our supply partners and the Welsh Assembly.  I am delighted that we have played our part in providing a strengthen electricity network which will serve the people of Anglesey for years to come.”

Ynys Mon AM Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "These power infrastructure improvements are vital to ensure that developments such as those at Parc Cybi and Penrhos in Holyhead can move ahead as soon as possible. Improving the electricity supply to the island is vital for businesses on Ynys Mon not only to meet the needs of industry now but also in order to attract investment for the future.”
 

Notes to editors

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

For Morrison Utility Services: Lucie Cox, PR Officer. Tel: 07843 314768

• ScottishPower Energy Networks own and operate the electricity transmission and distribution network in the south of Scotland and the distribution network in Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales. As the network operator we maintain and repair the electrical equipment and network assets that transport electricity to around 3.3 million homes and business.


• Morrison Utility Services is a leading service provider within the electricity, gas, telecommunications and water sectors.  Our service offerings are centred on the provision, replacement, repair and maintenance of utility infrastructure, which our clients own and utilise to deliver water, power, energy and communications to their customers. We are committed to working closely with our clients to deliver cost effective solutions, which do not compromise safety, quality and service delivery.