We are asking people in central Scotland to share their views on proposals to upgrade the electricity infrastructure in their area.
We first consulted on the Denny-Wishaw project in 2021 and are now asking local people and stakeholders for their feedback on revised plans.
The Denny-Wishaw Network Upgrade project would see work to increase the voltage of electricity travelling across a 35km section of the route by removing cables currently in place and replacing them with higher capacity cables, with work including refurbishment of pylons already in place. A new 19km section of 400kV OHL will also be added between Bonnybridge and Glenmavis.
Five substations will also be expanded to increase their capacity and to improve the connections to the overhead network.
Britian is moving towards an all electric future as more homes and business have their power needs, including heating and transport, met by electricity. This will make the resilience and security of the electricity network vitally important and requires additional infrastructure to support it and its role transporting green electricity from where it was generated to where it is needed.
Projects like the Denny to Wishaw Upgrade are part of this work which will see the biggest rewiring of the GB electricity grid since its inception, strengthening energy security and supporting economic growth. The work will also increase the resilience of the electricity network in the local area, bringing more power to the communities for when people need it.
The work being consulted on includes enhancements to infrastructure in Airdrie, Bonnybridge, Cumbernauld, Easterhouse, Glenmavis and Newarthill, as well as in Denny and Wishaw.
We plan to hold two rounds of public consultation on the proposals with the first round taking place between Monday 27 January and Friday 28 February 2025.
People can find out more and speak with the project team at the following drop-in events:
- Wednesday 29 January - Newarthill Community Facility (2–7pm)
- Thursday 30 January - Muirfield Community Centre (4-8pm)
- Friday 31 January - Pather Community Centre (2-7pm)
- Tuesday 04 February - Gartcosh Social Club (2–7pm)
- Wednesday 05 February - Bonnybridge Community Education Centre (3.15-7pm)
- Thursday 06 February - Glenmavis Community Facility (2-7pm)
All project documents are on the project website, where you will also find an online feedback form.
If you don’t have internet access, you can call the Freephone number to ask any questions or request a personal call back from a member of the project team.
You can also be sent a paper feedback form and a Freepost envelope to complete and return free of charge.
Fiona Muir, Project Manager at SP Energy Networks, said:
“The work across central Scotland is vital in strengthening the UK’s electricity transmission network. It helps improve energy security and contribute towards Scotland’s, and the rest of the UK’s, net zero targets.
“We’ve developed a package of investment to replace, upgrade and add new infrastructure into the network across Falkirk and North Lanarkshire and we want to hear from local residents about our plans to help us develop these proposals further.
“Engaging with local communities is essential for us so we hope that people will get in touch; either by attending one of the public exhibitions in their area, or by contacting us directly.”
People can give feedback or request consultation materials in the following ways:
- www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/denny_wishaw.aspx
- Emailing info@dennywishaw.co.uk
- Respond using your freepost envelope and feedback form (look out for it in the mail) or post comments directly to FREEPOST DENNY WISHAW UPGRADE
- Calling the project Freephone number 0800 470 2376