As part of UK Power Networks’ rolling infrastructure upgrade programme to future-proof the energy grid, Guildford is receiving a £7.3 million upgrade to its local power supply.
Work is currently underway in Guildford to future-proof a local electricity substation to ensure that it continues to deliver a safe and reliable electricity supply to nearly 19,000 homes and businesses.
At an existing substation in the town centre specialist electrical engineering teams will build and equip a new electrical switch-house. The new equipment will then be connected to the existing network, which distributes electricity throughout the town.
At the same time, two new transformers will be installed and connected to the network. These transformers will increase the network capacity for Guilford, securing the future growth of the town.
Anthony Griffin, project manager at UK Power Networks, commented, “This is a major investment in the infrastructure for Guildford. This will help us to continue serving residents with reliable electricity supplies well into the future.
“We are future-proofing the electricity network by modernising the equipment which delivers power to local homes and businesses. There will be automation on the equipment, so that it can be remotely controlled by our engineers, making power supplies even more resilient.”
The work will take place within UK Power Networks’ existing substation and is due to continue until next autumn. As the new equipment is energised, the existing equipment will be switched off.
The investment in Guildford is part of £600 million the company will invest this year in its electricity networks.