SP Energy Networks is using cutting-edge technology to help ensure Glasgow's electricity network is ready to support the city as it welcomes athletes, officials and visitors for Glasgow 2026.
As part of a major resilience programme, the network operator has been trialling Power Survey's state-of-the-art Mobile Asset Assessment Vehicle (MAAV) across Glasgow. The innovative technology helps identify potential faults in the underground electricity network that cannot be detected through visual inspections alone.
The Power Survey™ system, developed by Osmose Utilities Services, Inc., uses a highly sensitive electric scanning system mounted on a specialist vehicle to detect underground electrical voltage that could indicate developing network issues. By providing advanced diagnostics and real-time data, the technology enables engineers to identify and address potential faults before they affect customers.
The trial forms part of SP Energy Networks' wider preparations for Glasgow 2026, helping to ensure the city's electricity infrastructure performs at its best during one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
Glasgow's network includes more than 8,000 kilometres of overhead lines and underground cables, along with almost 4,000 substations. Ensuring these assets remain resilient and reliable is a key priority as the city prepares to host thousands of athletes, support teams and spectators.
Alistair Menzies, SP Energy Networks' Glasgow District General Manager, said: "Osmose’s incredible technology is quite literally a game-changer – spotting potential hidden issues before they become real-world problems – and, alongside our wider resilience efforts, will help ensure Glasgow’s electricity network is safe and Games-ready.
Thousands of athletes, coaching staff, support teams and spectators are descending on the city for this summer’s next big sporting event, so ensuring the highest level of network reliability and resilience is vital.
While the athletes are going through their paces and getting ready for the ultimate test, we’re doing the exact same with our network – making sure it’s fit, resilient and ready for anything.
I’ve no doubt our teams will be at the top of their game and working round the clock – as always – to keep the lights on and power safely flowing to venues, transport hubs and communities as Glasgow welcomes the Commonwealth Games 2026.”
SP Energy Networks' Alistair Menzies (right) and Lee White, Osmose (left).
Lee White, Vice President, Osmose Europe, added: "We're proud to support SP Energy Networks in preparing Glasgow's electricity network ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
The MAAV technology helps utilities identify potential issues early, improving network reliability and helping keep power safely flowing during major events. We're excited to continue our partnership with SP Energy Networks and see this technology making a difference."
Alongside the deployment of Power Survey technology, SP Energy Networks is strengthening its preparations through a range of additional measures. These include installing extra network monitoring equipment, introducing more automated controls, using thermal imaging technology to assess network assets and increasing the number of engineers on standby.
Together, these initiatives will help ensure the electricity network continues to operate at an optimum level for Glasgow 2026, while also delivering long-term benefits for customers and communities across the wider Glasgow region.