New underground cable to reduce risk of power cuts in the Tweed Valley
ÂŁ13m investment will also allow for more electric vehicle chargers and heat pump hook-ups
Last updated 11th Sep 2024
Regular power cuts in the Tweed Valley could soon become a thing of the past.
After years of interruptions - sometimes only for a few seconds - blamed on bird strikes and fallen trees, SP Energy Networks has unveiled plans to install a new 18-kilometre underground cable underneath the A72 between Peebles and Yair - to reduce the risk of damage in future.
Around 8,000 homes and businesses are set to benefit from the ÂŁ13 million investment.
Work, which includes an upgrade to the Yair Bridge substation, is expected to get underway next month - subject to council approval - and take 14 months to complete.
While the overhead line is being retained, it will allow the removal of the Walkerburn substation, which has suffered from flooding in the past.
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As well as improving the local power supply, it will also boost capacity on the network to facilitate the connection of more low-carbon technologies like electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps.
The public are being invited to view the plans at the first of two consultation events taking place at Innerleithen’s Memorial Hall from 7.30pm tonight, with another at the Village Hall in Walkerburn the following Wednesday from 5.30pm.
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SP Energy Networks’ area manager David Climie said: “This will be a truly transformative project for local people and we’re excited to be getting to work soon.
“We’ve gone above and beyond to find the best possible solution to address the localised network issues in this area, as well as futureproofing the network to meet growing electricity demand as people make greener choices in their daily lives.
“We’re also working closely with the local council and have put a lot of thought into carefully planning these works to keep any disruption to a minimum."
He added: "We appreciate there will be some inconvenience, but we know the real and lasting difference this substantial investment will make in delivering a modern and reliable electricity network for the Borders that supports a cleaner and greener future.”
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