SP Energy Networks has recently started a major £12 million investment project to modernise over 70km of overhead power lines across Cheshire and surrounding area. The power lines carry 132,000 volts of electricity, and support tens of thousands of homes and businesses.

The refurbishment covers six major circuits that run between Carrington in Trafford and Crewe in Cheshire, that serve both residential and industrial customers in and around Knutsford, Northwich, Elworth and Crewe within one project.

The project started in 2012 with SP Energy Networks undertaking site surveys and preliminary works. The company has been working in close coordination with Local Authorities, Network Rail, the Highways Agency and principal contractor Babcocks.

Mark Sobczak, Programme Manager for SP Energy Networks, said: “We have been increasing the level of investment across the SP Manweb network over the last two years and this project in Cheshire not only demonstrates our commitment to our customers and local communities in these areas, but also represents the single largest project that we have undertaken on our overhead network for several years.”

As part of the strategic electrical infrastructure in Cheshire, the overhead line circuits have provided an industry leading level of reliability for over 60 years. To ensure continued high performance, the circuits are being modernised using the latest materials, with the project due for completion in the Spring of 2015.

The company is committed to keeping local residents and key stakeholders informed of the work, and every attempt is being made to avoid disruption to the local area. SP Energy Networks has developed a work programme that aims to not interrupt any supplies to customers during this work.

ScottishPower Press Office – 0141 614 4660