ScottishPower today announced a £400m plan to upgrade high-voltage transmission lines as part of the Government's initiative to rewire the UK for renewable energy.

The new lines will bring the biggest improvement to the electricity grid in more than 40 years and are essential if Scotland is to realise its potential in the production of renewable energy.

Ronnie Mercer, ScottishPower's Group Director Infrastructure, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to provide Scotland with a modern grid fit to meet the new demands of supplying renewable energy securely in the 21st century."

The plan forms part of proposals outlined in the Renewable Energy Transmission Study (RETS) which ScottishPower, Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) and National Grid Company undertook on behalf of the DTI.

RETS will increase the capability of the UK network to accommodate renewable generation in two 2,000MW stages delivering 4,000MW, equivalent to the demand of Central Scotland. It will allow the output of renewable generation to be distributed throughout the UK and improve the reliability and security of supply in Scotland.

Wherever possible, ScottishPower is upgrading existing transmission lines in preference to establishing new routes in southern Scotland. One new line is proposed - between Kilmarnock and Kendoon in Dumfries & Galloway.

A full consultation process will now begin with local communities who will be given the opportunity to view and comment on the proposal in detail.

Notes to Editors

The plan involves the following stages:

• Kilmarnock to Kendoon
  A new 60km line will run from Kilmarnock through South Ayrshire and into Galloway to Kendoon. A substation extension will be required at Kilmarnock and a new substation near Kendoon.
• West coast Interconnector
  Upgrade the operating voltage of 125km of existing pylons on the M74 corridor from Strathaven to Harker near Carlisle (no physical works required to overhead line). Existing substations at Strathaven, Linnmill, Elvanfoot and Gretna will be modified or extended and a new substation will be built south of Lesmahagow.
• East coast Interconnector
  Upgrade 103km of the existing tower line from Eccles to Stella near Newcastle.
• SSE has already started planning its first line between Beauly and Denny. ScottishPower's plans coordinate with this project and a new substation will be built in Denny to accommodate the new line.

Further Information:

Simon McMillan                                            0141 566 4875 or 07753 622 257