Multi-million pound electricity upgrade planned

Events are being held at Milland and Rake so that residents can hear about electricity infrastructure upgrade work between Fernhurst and Petersfield. (Photo by David McNew/Newsmakers) SUS-200602-121217001

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is set to refurbish a primary substation and lay 15km of cable underground between Fernhurst and Petersfield.

Two public engagement events are being held for residents, business owners and stakeholders to find out more about the multi-million pound works.

One will be at Milland Valley Memorial Hall, Iping Road, Milland, GU30 7NA on Wednesday, February 19, between 3pm and 6pm.

The other is 3pm to 6pm at Rake Village Hall, Brewells Lane, Liss, GU33 7JA on Monday, February 24.

Attendees will be able to talk to SSEN’s team about the £8.4 million investment project which is scheduled to start in March 2020, building resilience in the area’s power supply through the undergrounding of sections of cable.

The refurbishment of the primary substation at Bedford Road, Petersfield, will also allow for future commercial and residential connections.

The company said the substation element of the project alone will provide power to 10,000 customers, with the overall programme of works keeping the infrastructure resilient and secure for decades to come.

The undergrounding of almost 15km of cable between Petersfield and Fernhurst will provide increased security of supply by removing the reliance on the area’s overhead lines.

SSEN’s project manager, Anthony Horne said: “We’re holding these public engagement events ahead of the scheduled commencement of these works, as we want to ensure we give all of those who live and work in the vicinity of this upgrade the opportunity to talk to our team and raise any questions or concerns they might have.

“This programme and its timing have been carefully planned to minimise disruption to road users and reduce any possible noise levels for local residents.

“We’d like to ask anyone who lives and works in the area to take the opportunity to drop in to one or both of our forthcoming engagement events next month.”

An online project page has been set up to provide regular updates at www.ssen.co.uk/petersfield-fernhurst/ and letter drops will be carried out as there may be some temporary minor traffic management systems used. These can be found at www.roadworks.org.