Major upgrade planned for Cowley substation
SSEN outlines the next stage of its $265 M Oxfordshire network upgrade, with significant improvements at Cowley substation to boost capacity and reliability.
Image for illustrative purposes
UK, England, Oxfordshire: SSEN has released details of the next phase of its $265 M (£200 M) upgrade to Oxfordshire’s electricity network, with major works at Cowley substation set to begin in the New Year. The project will install modern network equipment to increase capacity for local homes and businesses and strengthen reliability across the area.
The wider upgrade programme began in August with the installation of new high-voltage underground cables along Grenoble Road in Oxford. Work will continue through to early 2027 and is being delivered on behalf of SSEN by OCU Group.
While the cable-laying work progresses, the Cowley substation upgrade will bring several complementary improvements. New transformers and updated plant equipment will expand the network’s ability to support heat pumps, electric vehicle charging, and locally generated solar power. The investment is also expected to make the network more resilient in increasingly unpredictable weather conditions. Disruption for local residents will be minimal.
“This investment is a significant step in enabling even more reliable and resilient electricity supplies for homes, schools, public services and businesses in Oxfordshire,” said Florence Hickling, SSEN Distribution’s project manager. “It will also unlock the additional capacity needed for new homes, EV charging, solar energy, and low-carbon heating.”
Paul Armer from OCU Group added: “We are pleased with how the works have gone so far, and we look forward to meeting people on 3 December. These works are vital for Oxford, but we also understand the importance of explaining what we are doing.”
Work is being carried out Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. Pedestrian access will be maintained, with additional support for residents who may require it, including emergency and refuse services. There are no planned power interruptions, and residents and businesses will receive updates through signs, events, visits and regular communications.
Source: SSEN
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