SP Energy Networks has unveiled a £13m improvement programme in Scotland that will see a new 18km underground cable installed under the A72 Peebles Road as well as the modernisation of the existing Yair Bridge substation by the end of 2025.
It will also allow for the removal of the Walkerburn substation, which has been affected by flooding in the past, and support additional protective measures on overhead lines in the area.
The scheme will see almost 8000 homes and businesses in Peebles, Innerleithen, Walkerburn and Yair Bridge benefit from the multi-million investment project to upgrade and improve the resilience and reliability of the electricity network.
The investment – part of SP Energy Networks’ overall £180m spending programme in Edinburgh and the Borders between 2023-2028 – will make a positive and lasting difference for local people who have experienced periodic disruption to power supplies in recent years, said the grid company.
The works – which are expected to get underway in October, subject to council approval, and last around 14 months – will also boost capacity on the network to facilitate the connection of more low-carbon technologies like electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps.
SP Energy Networks’ district general manager for Edinburgh and the Borders David Climie said: “This will be a truly transformative project for local people and we are excited to be getting to work soon.
“We have gone above and beyond to find the best possible solution to address the localised network issues in this area, as well as futureproofing the network to meet growing electricity demand as people make greener choices in their daily lives.
“We are also working closely with the local council and have put a lot of thought into carefully planning these works to keep any disruption to a minimum.
“We appreciate there will be some inconvenience, but we know the real and lasting difference this substantial investment will make in delivering a modern and reliable electricity network for the Borders that supports a cleaner and greener future.”