SP Energy Networks has ‘switched-on’ the brand new £12 million Oswestry Grid Substation, which is a central hub in the regional electricity network that keeps the lights on for 130,000 homes and business between Newtown and Wrexham.
The major construction project started in 2012, to replace the original substation which has been in operation since the 1960’s. Engineers installed the new infrastructure alongside the old equipment and the work was planned carefully to ensure that there were no interruptions to power supplies as the project progressed.
In the last few weeks the old substation has been officially retired, and all power supplies are now routed through the new installation.
To celebrate the completion of work on the new substation, SP Energy Networks invited members of the local community in to tour the facility on Friday (6th November). Over 30 guests got a unique behind-the-scenes look inside the major project, with representatives attending from Shropshire Council, Oswestry and St Martins Councils, local businesses and schools.
Mark Sobczak, head of 132kV programmes at SP Energy Networks, said: “We are pleased the project has been completed on schedule and on budget, and the new substation will help to ensure reliable supplies of electricity for homes and businesses across North Shropshire, Welshpool, Newtown and South Wrexham for decades to come. The new state-of-the-art substation will allow us greater flexibility to operate and maintain the electricity network. We were also delighted to invite members of the local community on to the site to see the work we have been carrying out for the last 3 years. This investment is designed to benefit the local community, so it was fantastic to have the opportunity to meet and talk with so many different community representatives.”
The demolition of the old substation is planned for Spring next year. This will coincide with the conservation elements of the project, to create a habitat for great crested newts. The demolition work has been carefully scheduled to ensure that it will not disrupt the hibernation period for newts.
