National Grid (UK) is investing £28 million on refurbishing two sections of overhead line which run between Daines near Manchester, Macclesfield and Cellarhead near Stoke on Trent.
These are part of the network of overhead lines, underground cables and substations that carry high voltage electricity across the country. The refurbishment work will keep the lines in good working order to ensure that everyone has the power they need, safely, and at the touch of a button.
Engineers will be replacing existing conductors (wires) and repairing or renewing steelwork, foundations and other equipment on some of the pylons. Work is already underway with over 70 workers mobilized and is expected to take until the end of the year to complete. The bulk of the work will be carried out between March and October. There will be no interruption to electricity supplies during the work. The lines affected consist of 178 pylons and 176 stretches of conductor.
National Grid, which is the UK’s largest utility, has been working with local authorities, the Environment Agency and Natural England, amongst others, in planning the works on the lines which cross roads including the M56, railways and waterways.
William Fenton, Project Manager said: “Our purpose is to connect people to the energy they use. This £28m investment will help ensure we can all continue to rely on having energy at our finger tips. Our society is built on the warmth and light we rely on at home, and the power which keeps our factories and offices going.”
