$23.7 M substation revamp to support green power in Dorset
A major upgrade of Chickerell substation aims to boost resilience, support low-carbon technologies, and benefit 60,000 customers across south-west Dorset.
Image for illustrative purposes
England, Dorset: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has unveiled a $23.7 M (£20 M) investment to upgrade the Chickerell substation near Weymouth, aiming to deliver more sustainable and resilient electricity to over 60,000 homes and businesses in the region.
Constructed in the 1960s, the substation will undergo significant modernization starting this month. Outdated equipment will be replaced with efficient technologies, including new switchgear and key components installed by contract partner Aureos. An indoor switch-house will also be built to protect essential infrastructure from salt damage.
The project is scheduled to continue through mid-2028 and is expected to improve operational safety and expand capacity to meet rising demand, particularly from customers generating their own electricity in areas like Portland, Weymouth, Dorchester, and Cerne Abbas.
SSEN’s Kris Haskins noted the upgrade was “a timely and essential step” given the ageing infrastructure and the region’s transition to low-carbon technologies. While most work will remain within the substation boundary, residents may notice increased construction traffic.
This initiative is part of SSEN’s wider effort to enhance Dorset’s electricity network, enabling greater integration of renewable energy sources and preparing the grid for technologies such as electric vehicles, solar power, and heat pumps – laying the foundation for a cleaner energy future.
Source: Yahoo News
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