A substantial programme of works to boost power supplies to homes and businesses in the Wootton Common area of the Isle of Wight has now been completed by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).
The £1 million project to upgrade and replace part of the island’s electricity infrastructure began in the autumn of 2021 and included the complete refurbishment of two 132kv transformers on the Wootton Common section of the Ryde network, along with the replacement of two 33kv circuit breakers and the upgrade of all the local, associated network protection systems. The series of works boosts power supplies to over 3,400 customers living and working in the area; providing a network fit for the needs of island customers for many years to come.
SSEN also used the works as an opportunity to improve the environment and visual aspect around the substation in Wootton Common, by decommissioning an oil storage tank and associated equipment that were no longer in use. Materials that could be reused will find a new purpose and those no longer required have been cleared from the site and taken off the island.
SSEN’s Project Manager, Tim Eccleston said:
“The completion of this project provides a more resilient power supply for over 3,400 customers living and working locally.
“Our SSEN project team is delighted to have worked on this infrastructure upgrade; strengthening the network against adverse weather conditions and supplying an infrastructure that is fit for the future as our customers look to meet their net zero goals.
“I’d like to thank the residents and businesses owners in Wootton Common - and the wider area of Ryde - for their patience while we carried out this programme of works.”
SSEN’s investment on the Isle of Wight ensures a power supply to suit the needs of residents now and in to the future. By upgrading this critical section of the local electricity network, communities and businesses can achieve their decarbonisation goals, so as more customers turn to low carbon technologies such as EVs and heat pumps, they have a supply and infrastructure that’s fit for purpose.
With a population of over 141,700, the Isle of Wight is forecast to have as many as 23,554 electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints by the end of 2030 and reaching 49,902 by 2050. Additionally, heat pumps installed across the island are forecast to rise to 19,036 by 2030.
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