£4m Nelson investment project progresses to next stage

A £4m investment work project designed to enhance reliability on Nelson’s power network is progressing, with activity moving to the next stage.

Engineers from SP Electricity North West are well under way with the £4m scheme which will see new 33,000-volt underground electricity cables installed.

Already, teams have installed 3.5KM of underground duct with a further 2KM to be installed. Once complete, engineers will return to pull and connect the cable to the network while also replacing assets at the local substations.

The work taking place will benefit 39,000 homes and businesses and as the project progresses, MP for Pendle and Clitheroe Jonathan Hinder visited site to learn more about the scheme and the benefits it will bring.  

Vincent Cranny, SP Electricity North West’s head of capital delivery, said: “We’re really pleased with the progress we’ve made on a scheme that will benefit tens of thousands of homes and businesses across Nelson and the surrounding areas.

“It is no secret that we are becoming more reliant on electricity as people switch to electric vehicles, heat pumps and connect other low carbon technologies to the network.

“Our proactive approach will not only improve reliability but allow for future development using clean electricity.”

SP Electricity North West is using two teams who have completed working on Casterton Avenue in Burnley and currently working on Manchester Road in Nelson.

Temporary traffic lights are being used so teams can work safely in the highway and progress will continue to be communicated to residents.

Jonathan Hinder, Pendle and Clitheroe MP added: “It was really encouraging to see first-hand the work taking place and learn about the benefits it will provide to the local area.

“This is a huge investment we are receiving and the long-term benefits will see a much more reliable power network and one that allows for more residents and businesses to connect up electric vehicles and solar panels in future.

“The teams are working hard to keep disruption to a minimum, and I’m pleased with the progress that has been made.”