Following a three-month consultation process that included nearly 30 public events and 20 additional community meetings, ScottishPower Energy Networks has received more than 2,000 responses in relation to its initial proposals for connecting new windfarms in Mid Wales to the electricity grid.

The initial consultation period, which closed on July 7th, sought feedback from residents and communities on plans to connect 700MW plus of new renewable energy generation from 10 proposed windfarms in Mid Wales. As the local electricity distribution network operator (DNO), ScottishPower has an obligation to offer connections to the windfarm developers.

The company asked for opinions on a number of corridors between 0.5km and 4.0km wide for the required 132kV connections, taking in to account National Grid’s consultation on two potential sites for a hub substation, where the power lines would connect in to.

ScottishPower Energy Networks Project Manager, Steven Edwards, said: “We have had a strong response from members of the public to our consultation, and we would like to thank everyone who has attended a meeting or a public event and who has taken the time to let us know their views.

“Over 2000 people have put their views forward, and we will be working through all of the feedback to ensure that the comments will be considered as part of our future plans. On the whole we have received very detailed responses, which is extremely helpful in allowing us to evaluate the route options we are considering.

“It is important that we make the most of the data and comments that we have received, and all of this information will be studied in detail.  We will also be working closely with National Grid to use the comments we have received to feed in to their proposals for a hub substation.”

Work to process all of the information received will continue over the next few months, which will be included in the company’s work to design a preferred route for the connections.

Once a preferred route has been established, the company will begin a second round of public consultations and will again seek community views on its proposals.

ScottishPower hopes that the next consultation process will begin in early 2012.

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