Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has upgraded a vital section of Bournemouth's electricity infrastructure.

The distribution operator began the £2.7million upgrade in March of last year, replacing the oil filled underground cable running between the two substations located at East Howe and Victoria Park with 2.2 kilometres of more modern, sustainable and efficient equipment.

The improvement works have included the upgrade of connections at the associated substations along the route; building greater resilience and flexibility into the network serving the Victoria Park area of the busy coastal town.

The multi-million pound investment in the latest technology will ensure the strength of Victoria Park’s power network, by keeping power flowing to those living and working in the area and helping them meet their net zero goals with an infrastructure fit for the future.


SSEN's Project Manager, Aaron Reed said: "My team and I are delighted to see the energisation of this upgrade to Bournemouth’s network, bringing a robust and flexible power supply to the area’s 11,500 homes and businesses.

"These works show SSEN's commitment to Victoria Park’s customers in providing them with the electricity infrastructure they need to meet their needs now and for many years to come.

"This nine-month long project provides thousands of customers in Victoria Park with a strong network that's fit for the future and I’d like to thank all of those living and working in the vicinity of the works for their patience while we carried out this substantial upgrade."

SSEN's investment in this area of Bournemouth ensures a power supply that suits the needs of residents now and in to the future. By upgrading this section of the local infrastructure, SSEN is helping its customers to achieve their decarbonisation ambitions; so as more of them turn to low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, they have the reassurance of a strong and flexible power supply.

While all construction works for the project are now complete, SSEN will be carrying out reinstatement works in Caroline Road through February to ensure all previous paving and surfaces are returned to their original state.