SP ENERGY NETWORKS TO ROLL OUT INNOVATIVE RESTORATION TECHNOLOGY TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON THIS WINTER

Scotland’s electricity network is to benefit from innovative new technology that can restore power within 24 hours if severe weather leads to a loss of electricity this winter.

Resembling giant Meccano, the Emergency Restoration System can be deployed at a moment’s notice to support both overhead and underground lines. It provides a far more rapid response system for engineers to use in the field than has previously been available and allows them to replace aging technology that previously took weeks to put in place   

Built from light weight and compact components, it can be constructed from ground level with a base that is adaptable to any terrain and the versatility to support overhead lines at any height anywhere on the SPEN network.

Once erected, it establishes a seamless temporary power bypass from the damaged power lines, poles or towers while engineers get to work on, helping restore power supplies to homes and businesses quicker than ever before.

The innovative engineering team at SPEN have also adapted the technology to allow it to be used where faults are discovered underground, using it to bypass electricity flow away from damaged sections of the network while repairs are made, keeping the lights on to those living and working nearby.

Technology such as the ERS, along with SPEN’s bespoke weather forecasting and pre-storm preparations, will ensure that the transmission network continues to deliver a secure and reliable service for million of homes and businesses across central and southern Scotland this winter.

Guy Jefferson, Customer Service Director SP Energy Networks, said: “When bad weather hits, our engineers work 24/7 to keep the lights on. We know from experience that the worst winter storms can result in some power loss particularly when lines are hit by trees or brought down by high winds.

“The cutting-edge design of the Emergency Restoration System makes it possible for our engineers to make repairs faster than ever before, while keeping our customers connected to the power network.

“While extreme power cuts occur very rarely, our teams are prepared for every eventuality. This system is lightweight and can be easily transported and assembled in several configurations to suit all types of terrain no matter the weather conditions.

“We are acutely aware of how much more time people spend at home in the current environment, and how crucial those power supplies are to those who rely on still being able to work effectively and carry out other essential daily tasks. We use bespoke weather forecasting to prepare ahead of any bad weather, moving our teams and resources around to likely hot spots so we can react as quickly as possible to major outages in the unlikely event that they occur.

“That’s why we are proud our engineers are at the forefront of innovation to enhance the resilience of our network, enabling us to keep the power flowing for our communities and the lights on whatever the weather.”

Alongside this major investment, the network operator is reminding all customers ahead of the winter season to ensure they keep the national 105 emergency powercut number close to hand so they can call SP Energy Networks if their power does go out unexpectedly – no matter who they pay their bill to. They are also promoting other essential safety advice to ensure customers are storm-ready, such as, storing a battery powered torch at home, being extremely careful to avoid fallen power lines and keeping their mobile phones charged to help them should a power cut occur.

SP Energy Networks owns and manages overhead and underground powerlines in Central and Southern Scotland as well as Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and North Shropshire. For more information about SP Energy Networks and its services, visit: spenergynetworks.co.uk