SP Energy Networks is looking for feedback from people in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian on proposals to connect a windfarm and an energy park into the grid.
Communities are being asked to comment on the proposed new overhead line routes that will connect Glenburnie (formerly known as Longcroft) Windfarm and Torfichen Energy Park to a proposed electricity compound, west of Oxton.
Glenburnie Windfarm will connect to the proposed Oxton compound via a new 132kV, 7.5km line, mainly formed of double trident wood poles between 11 and 16 metres high.
Torfichen Energy Park will also connect into the same compound via a new 132kV route of double wood poles running 20km from the energy park substation that will be constructed on site.
The compound west of Oxton is being developed as part of wider proposals to replace the existing overhead line between Dun Law and the new proposed Gala North substation.
Communities can find out more about the proposed connections for Glenburnie Windfarm and Torifichen Energy Park on Monday 23 February from 3pm until 7pm in Oxton War Memorial Hall, Station Road, Oxton, Scottish Borders, TD2 6PL
There is also another chance to speak to the team behind the Torfichen connection on Tuesday 24 February between 3pm and 7pm in MacFie Hall, B709 Heriot, , EH38 5YA
Jordan Osbourne, Project Manager for SP Energy Networks, said: “We’re delivering the biggest upgrade the electricity grid has ever seen, ensuring our network can support a cleaner and greener future.
“This project is currently in its early stages, and we would like to hear the views of the local people on the preferred routes running from the proposed Torfichen and Longcroft developments to the proposed compound near Oxton.
“We encourage anyone interested in attending or speaking with us to get in touch, your input into these consultations can really help us as we shape these important plans for the electricity infrastructure in the Borders and Midlothian.”
Feedback received during the first round of consultation will be taken into consideration alongside findings of environmental surveys to help identify the final proposed alignment for the overhead line.
This feedback will then help the development of a consent application which will be submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit.
Anyone unable to make the drop-in events can find out more about the project online by visiting SP Energy Networks website. Feedback forms are also available online and the team can also be contact by email or by post.
For more information about SP Energy Networks and their ongoing projects, please visit www.spenergynetworks.co.uk