SP Energy Networks puts city’s electricity network through its paces ahead of Glasgow 2026
Cutting-edge tech trial will help ensure the lights stay on as athletes get on their marks
SP Energy Networks is using cutting-edge technology to put Glasgow’s electricity network through its paces before the 2026 Commonwealth Games get underway later this week.
The electricity network operator has been trialling Power Survey’s state-of-the-art Mobile Asset Assessment Vehicle (MAAV) across city streets to help identify potential faults in the underground electricity network that are undetectable by visual inspection.
The revolutionary Power Survey™ technology from Osmose Utilities Services, Inc, is being deployed as part of a major resilience drive to ensure Glasgow’s 8,000-plus km of overhead lines and underground cables and almost 4,000 substations deliver peak performance when the Games come to town.
The highly-sensitive electric scanning system – mounted on the back of a truck – provides advanced diagnostics to identify underground electrical voltage that may indicate potential network faults.
By using Power Survey and the real-time data it provides, potential faults can be found and fixed faster than ever – even before there are any visible signs that something’s not quite right – and early trials have proven to be a success.
Alistair Menzies, SP Energy Networks’ Glasgow District General Manager, said: “Osmose’s incredible technology is quite literally a game-changer – spotting potential hidden issues before they become real-world problems – and, alongside our wider resilience efforts, will help ensure Glasgow’s electricity network is safe and Games-ready.
“Thousands of athletes, coaching staff, support teams and spectators are descending on the city for this summer’s next big sporting event, so ensuring the highest level of network reliability and resilience is vital.
“While the athletes are going through their paces and getting ready for the ultimate test, we’re doing the exact same with our network – making sure it’s fit, resilient and ready for anything.
“I’ve no doubt our teams will be at the top of their game and working round the clock – as always – to keep the lights on and power safely flowing to venues, transport hubs and communities as Glasgow welcomes the Commonwealth Games 2026.”
"We're proud to support SP Energy Networks in preparing Glasgow's electricity network ahead of the Commonwealth Games,” said Lee White, Vice President, Osmose Europe.
“The MAAV technology helps utilities identify potential issues early, improving network reliability and helping keep power safely flowing during major events. We're excited to continue our partnership with SP Energy Networks and see this technology making a difference."
Alongside Osmose’s Power Survey, SP Energy Networks is putting in place additional network monitors and automated controls, using thermal imaging and boosting the teams of engineers on standby – all to ensure the electricity network is operating at optimum level for the Games and the wider Glasgow region.
