SP Energy Networks begins public consultation on Denny to Wishaw Network Upgrade Project.
We are asking local people for their views on plans to upgrade the high-voltage electricity transmission network between Denny and Wishaw in Scotland’s central belt.
The existing network needs to be upgraded to help Scotland and the UK meet Net Zero climate change targets, as more ‘green’ electricity flows through the region as part of the transition from fossil fuels – like coal and gas – to renewable electricity.
The Denny to Wishaw Network Upgrade includes plans for a new transmission line between Bonnybridge and a point near Glenmavis, where it will join an existing overhead line.
Works are also needed to uprate an overhead line between Denny North and Bonnybridge substations from 275,000 volts (275kV) to 400,000 volts (400kV).
Public consultation gets underway from Monday 24 May to Monday 21 June, giving local people the chance to find out more and have their say on the plans, the preferred route for the new line and the associated works.
Leaflets are being sent to 25,000 homes and businesses in communities across the central belt to explain the plans and how to take part in the consultation, which will be mainly online because of coronavirus restrictions.
SP Energy Networks’ Project Manager, Fiona Muir, said: “Scotland and the UK are in the middle of a transformation, with the electricity we use increasingly coming from clean, green renewables which are replacing older power stations.
“At the same time, demand for electricity is increasing rapidly with the electrification of cars, heating systems, transport and industry.
“This huge change means we need to upgrade the transmission network to ensure it can get this increasing amount of electricity from where it is produced to the homes, businesses, hospitals and public services that need it.
“To help shape our plans for how we do this along the Denny to Wishaw route – and do that in a Covid-safe way – we’re holding a series of online public events as well as giving people a chance to take part by phone, post and email and we would encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”
People can take part in the consultation by visiting our website here, calling the project Freephone line on 0800 470 2376, emailing info@dennywishaw.co.uk or writing to FREEPOST DENNY WISHAW UPGRADE.
This stage of public consultation closes on Monday 21 June. A second round of consultation will take place next year on a detailed route, after which SPEN will seek approval from the Scottish Government.