SP Energy Networks is to extend the deadline for feedback on its proposed Dumfries and Galloway Strategic Reinforcement project from July 24th to August 31st. Following feedback received from the public consultation, which was launched at the start of June, the company wants to ensure that communities have as much time as they need to review the details of the project, and want to encourage as many people as possible to submit their views.

The project team carried out ten public consultation events during June and July, and over 700 people came along to look at the plans and discuss the proposals with the project team. Over 14,000 letters were also sent out to residents across the region, with details on how to access the plans and how to submit feedback.

Colin Brown, Project Manager at SP Energy Networks: “We take on board the feedback we receive, and it was clear that some members of the community were keen to have additional time to review the details of our proposals. We are happy to facilitate an extension to our deadline, because we want to encourage as many people as possible to share their views. We look closely at all of the feedback that we receive, and this helps to shape our future plans.

“We have been very encouraged by the level of response that we have received so far, and we would like to thank everyone who has attended the public events and all of those who have contributed their feedback.”

There are still many ways that members of the public can have their say on the project.

• All the main project documents are available online at www.spendgsr.co.uk   
• Printed copies of documents can be viewed at a public information point across the region*
• Residents can also get more details by calling free on 0800 157 7353, emailing on dgsr@communityrelations.co.uk or writing to FREEPOST SPEN DGSR

The Dumfries and Galloway Strategic Reinforcement Project aims to modernise the electricity network, making it more resilient for homes and businesses, as well as increasing capacity. Much of the existing 132,000 volt (132kV) system is coming towards the end of its operational life, and the project proposes a new high voltage overhead line of up to 400,000 volts (400kV) between Auchencrosh in South Ayrshire and Harker in Cumbria.

In other locations the company has plans to replace old 132kV power lines with new ones at the same voltage and, in certain locations, remove old power lines altogether. As part of the upgrade plans four new substations are also being proposed at Auchencrosh, Newton Stewart, Glenlee and Dumfries.

The responses received from the consultation process will help to inform SP Energy Networks’ plans, and help to determine the areas that will be progressed to the next stage of the routeing process. Further studies will then also be undertaken, which will allow the company to identify the preferred line routes and substation sites for the project.
 
A second round of consultation on the preferred line routes and substation sites will be carried out next year.

*Public Information Points:

• Annan Customer Service Centre, High Street,Annan, DG12 6AQ
• Ballantrae Library, The Hall, Ballantrae, KA26 0NB
• Cumbria County Council, Reception area, The Courts, Carlisle, CA3 8NA
• Dalry Library, Main Street, St. John’s Town of Dalry, DG7 3UP
• Dumfries Planning Office, Kirkbank, English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2HS
• Gretna Library, Central Avenue, Gretna, DG16 5AQ
• Kirkcudbright Customer Service Centre, High Street, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4JG
• Lochthorn Library, Edinburgh Road, Dumfries, DG1 1UF
• Lockerbie Customer Services Centre, 31 - 33 High Street, Lockerbie, DG11 2JL
• Longtown Library, Lochinvar Centre, Longtown, Cumbria, CA6 5UG
• Newton Stewart Library, Church Street, Newton Stewart, DG8 6ER
• Stranraer Planning Office , Ashwood House, Sun Street, Stranraer, DG9 7JJ