ScottishPower Energy Networks is set to carry out an essential project to reinforce the electricity network in Cowdenbeath. Work is due to commence on 09 April 2012 on a scheme worth over £200,000 that will improve the reliability of supplies to homes and businesses in High Street for many years to come.

The electricity company has been planning the work with Enterprise and Fife Council, which will see underground cables being upgraded from Morrisons substation along the east side of High Street moving southward from the rail bridge to the top of the high street.

ScottishPower has already had several site visits to discuss planning and scheduling the works in order to minimise disruption. A meeting has also been held with the community council, local traders and local transport companies to discuss the work. The company has given a guarantee that shop entrances will be maintained at all times to ensure customers have access to commercial premises during normal opening hours.

Work on the cables will start on 09 April, with the full project expected to be complete by 10 June.

Archie Ferguson at ScottishPower said: “This is a vital reinforcement project designed to boost the reliability of the electricity supply to a significant number of commercial and domestic premises on the high street; and provide a modernised network capable of supporting expected growth in load requirements within the immediate area – something that the existing supply is incapable of.

“This investment also represents a significant portion of SPEN’s reinforcement budget for 2012, and brings the level of capital expenditure set aside for Cowdenbeath’s immediate needs in line with similar schemes in the likes of Edinburgh and Stirling.

“We have planned this work very carefully with Fife Council and a range of other local groups and we will continue to work closely with all interested parties to minimise any disruption caused by the work.”

Media Information: Paul Ferguson, 0141 614 4535 / 07702 665 924