SSEN project to improve Southampton power supply milestone

Four months into the scheme, the first transformer has been completed, meaning upgraded infrastructure in North Baddesley can soon be energised.

The work by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) aims to benefit 7,500 homes and businesses by making connections more resilient and supporting greater capacity.

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The project, in partnership with the Freedom Group of Companies Ltd, will be delivered in stages over the next 14 months.

This includes the design and rebuild of another transformer and the underground installation of five kilometres of overhead lines between North Baddesley and Rownham.

The upgrade, due to be completed in June 2025, aims to strengthen the network against adverse weather, reduce power cut risks, and expand capacity.

This will support the connection of more low-carbon technologies to the grid, aiding the move towards net-zero.

The upgrade aims to strengthen the network against adverse weather, reduce power cut risks, and expand capacity. (Image: Supplied)

The works are part of a series of planned upgrades by SSEN in the Southampton area.

A further investment of more than £60 million in the region is set to begin early next year, delivering further network improvements.

This ongoing investment ensures power supplies will be ready to meet the growing demands from homes and businesses as more customers turn to low-carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.

SSEN's plans are designed to ensure that the power network can handle the increasing demand and help support the transition to more sustainable energy solutions, securing the future of power supply in the region.

Lewis Stimpson, SSEN’s senior project manager for the works said: "This project for our customers in Southampton’s North Baddesley area is delivering a network that’ll be more resilient to adverse weather and fit for the adoption of low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicles.

"Our decision to reroute a significant stretch of overhead lines underground will improve the landscape and visual amenity for the local community, by removing a considerable amount of visible infrastructure."