Its partners will continue working on the maintenance and upgrade of around 12,400 miles of overhead lines over the next four years.
SPEN is collaborating with six partners to support this initiative across its license districts. In central and southern Scotland, including Ayrshire, Clyde South, Central and Fife, Dumfries and Galloway, Edinburgh and Borders, Glasgow, Clyde North, and Lanarkshire, Scotland-based Aureos, Gaeltec, and PLPC will contribute expertise. In Mid-Cheshire, Merseyside, Dee Valley, Mid Wales, Wirral, and North Wales, Emerald Power, IES, and Network Plus will provide support. These partnerships aim to enhance grid reliability and capacity.
Nicola Connelly, SPEN CEO, stated: “Ensuring we have the partners, resources, and technical skills in place to deliver on our bold and ambitious plans for our network is vital for the modern and resilient grid needed to support the doubling of demand. These contracts not only support significant investment in our overhead line network, they allow us to build on the solid foundations created with our supply chain partners and give certainty and confidence to further invest in their skills and people.” The initiative is designed to benefit communities from Anstruther to Anglesey.
The contracts will sustain over 500 jobs, including more than 50 new linesmen positions, across SPEN’s operational areas in Scotland and Manweb. Adrian Rowley, Head of Contracts for Emerald Power, said: “This is an extremely significant milestone for Emerald Power and provides the opportunity to further invest in our business – recruiting, training, and upskilling the resources needed to deliver for SPEN’s customers. Sharing the modern apprenticeship course at Bangor’s Coleg Menai with other service partners and SP Energy Networks is a key element of this and enables a fantastic opportunity for anyone across the communities we serve.”
The modernization effort will strengthen the grid to meet growing electricity demand, driven by electrification and renewable energy integration. By upgrading infrastructure, SPEN aims to ensure reliable service and support sustainable energy goals. The project also fosters economic growth through job creation and skill development, particularly in local communities.
SPEN’s investment reflects a commitment to building a resilient energy network, enhancing connectivity across urban and rural areas. The collaboration with experienced partners ensures efficient delivery, positioning the UK’s grid to support future energy needs while contributing to regional economic vitality.
