ScottishPower switched on the first section of new overhead lines in the Borders today. The commissioning is the first part of ScottishPower's £11 million upgrade of the Borders and Berwick electricity network which will reduce the impact of major storms in the region.

Euan Robson MSP for Roxborough and Berwickshire marked the occasion by launching the process of dismantling the old line, a project which will take 6 - 8 weeks. Also present was Archie Kirkwood MP for Roxborough and Berwickshire.

Both representatives have campaigned for the upgrading of the network in the borders and came along to see the fruition of their efforts and to support and welcome the first stage of the significant investment programme.

This important part of the rebuilding of the grid involved the construction of 5.2km of 33,000 volt overhead line and 3 km underground cable between Chirnside and Ayton and will supply 8,000 customers. The new line, which follows the route of the old system, is made up of new stouter poles which replace the old mini towers.

The new system will provide a more secure supply of electricity, especially during storm conditions as new overhead conductors which offer better resistance to the build up of snow and ice have been installed. The length of the span between the poles has also been reduced and all new equipment is of the highest standard available.

The investment programme will effectively equip all the major communities in the area with an additional source of electricity supply. It is hoped that the project significantly reduce the number of major faults and the amount of time it will take ScottishPower to restore supplies.

John Menzies, Managing Director of the company's PowerSytems business, said: 'this is the first step in the biggest investment the electricity industry has made in the Borders since the 1930's and is one of ScottishPower's key priorities. It will significantly reduce the number of major faults and the amount of time it will take us to restore supplies."

Further Information:

Simon McMillan                                     0141 566 4875 or 07753 622257