SP Energy Networks is set to begin a £1.5 million investment programme to upgrade and strengthen the electricity network across East Lothian.
The project, which will get underway in mid-September, will see 27 kilometres of overhead lines refurbished in and around Dunbar, East Linton and North Berwick. The works are expected to take around 10 weeks to complete.
The investment will replace infrastructure originally installed in the 1950s with modern equipment and technology, helping to improve the reliability and resilience of the local electricity network while increasing capacity to support growing demand.
The upgraded network will also help facilitate the connection of more low-carbon technologies, such as electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps, as more customers make the switch to cleaner forms of energy.
Sean Gavaghan, Head of Planning & Network Improvement for Edinburgh and the Borders at SP Energy Networks, said:
"This important investment will make a significant difference for our customers in East Lothian, replacing equipment that was installed in the 1950s with modern and smart technology that will improve both network reliability and resilience.In practice, this means less likelihood of faults occurring and quicker response times if they do. It will also ensure our network has the capacity to meet increasing demand for electricity as people make cleaner and greener choices about how they live their lives, so it's a real win-win all round."
To allow the works to begin safely, a temporary overnight closure of the A1 will be required between Abbotsview Junction and Thistly Cross Roundabout. The closure will be in place from 11pm on Saturday 12 September until 6am on Sunday 13 September, with signed diversion routes operating throughout the closure.
Temporary traffic management measures will also be required on local roads as the project progresses.
Sean added: "We know there will be some disruption as we carry out these essential works, including a planned overnight closure on the A1 and temporary traffic restrictions on local roads.
We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused and thank local communities for their understanding and cooperation. We will do everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum and complete the works as safely and as quickly as possible."
The project forms part of SP Energy Networks' ongoing investment in the electricity network across central and southern Scotland, helping to deliver a more resilient network for current and future generations while supporting the transition to a cleaner, greener future.