Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution hosted Chris Loder MP at the site of its multi-million pound investments in Dorchester to showcase how the programme of works are future-proofing the electricity network and supporting a secure a fair transition to net-zero for his constituents.

In 2020, SSEN began works on a £2.5 million investment in Dorchester to boost the resilience and strength of the power supply for the over 12,000 customers supplied by the Dorchester Primary Substation. The intricate programme of works involved the replacement and installation of new transformers and switchboard, and a more efficient reconfigured layout of the substation.

Located in the Lower Trinity Street Car Park, the reconfiguration, replacement, and installation of the equipment at the substation was necessary to ensure the electricity network in Dorchester could meet forecasted future network demand and the uptake of low carbon technologies, like heat pumps and electric vehicles.

Chris Loder MP said:

"It was great to see this level of investment by SSEN in Dorchester's electricity network, and how the investments will benefit my constituents."

Earlier this year, SSEN announced the Lower Trinity Street Car Park, along with three other locations throughout Dorset, were selected as sites for an additional £2.2 million investment. The investment in Dorset was one of the 12 projects selected out of 150 submissions and will support Dorset Council's electric vehicle chargepoint rollout programme. Almost 3km of underground cabling will be replaced, helping support a green economic recovery and accelerate the delivery of low-carbon technologies.

Chris continues:

"The UK is an international leader on climate change, and the green recovery scheme is a welcome intervention in supporting Dorchester's net-zero ambitions and getting more electric vehicles on Dorset's roads."

Tim Eccleston, SSEN's Project Manager for the Dorchester Primary Substation investment said:

"It was fantastic to host Chris at the site of two of SSEN's multi-million pound investments in Dorchester. Both projects are helping deliver different important aspects of the transition to net-zero for Dorchester.

"We are really proud to be delivering these investment programmes and the benefits they are unlocking for the people of Dorchester."