Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is holding a virtual consultation event on Thursday, 11 March to seek feedback on its project to replace the 33 kilovolt (kV) subsea cable connecting Lewis and Harris to the Scottish mainland.
In December 2020, following extensive consideration and stakeholder engagement, SSEN confirmed its decision to proceed with the replacement of the 33kV subsea cable which runs from Ardmore, Skye to Beacravik, Harris, following a fault which occurred on 16 October.
The replacement cable, which will provide increased capacity of between 8MW and 10MW compared to the existing link, is expected to arrive in the UK in late May and be energised by the end of summer 2021.
SSEN's Submarine Cable project team is looking to engage with local customers, communities and stakeholders to seek their views and develop and refine plans prior to submitting a Marine Licence Application to Marine Scotland in April 2021.
Kevin Galbraith, SSEN's Acting Head of Subsea Cable Project Delivery, said:
"Ahead of our application to Marine Scotland, we're keen to give local communities and interested parties an opportunity to learn more about the project and comment on how we are planning to carry out this essential subsea cable replacement.
"We have developed our proposals based on a balance of environmental, engineering and economic considerations, and we're committed to consulting with everyone who has an interest; from the homes and businesses relying on the electricity the subsea cable delivers, to the marine industry who may be impacted by essential work, and we look forward to welcoming everyone along to our virtual event."