Homes and businesses in and around Bournemouth are going to benefit from a £12 million investment by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) that will result in a more resilient and flexible electricity network, supporting this coastal community’s move towards net zero.  

Starting on 30 September 2024, and running until 2026, the multi-million-pound upgrade will future-proof the local electricity network for almost 200,000 customers. Older, existing infrastructure will be replaced with more modern and efficient equipment, to better serve the needs of residents, business owners and the many visitors to the area. 

Running from Christchurch through to Boscombe, the project will be carried out by SSEN’s trusted contract partners Keltbray Infrastructure Services.  

The scheme will include: 

  • the replacement of nearly 6km of underground cabling   
  • the decommissioning of older equipment housed at one of the substations along the route, which is no longer needed due to new, more efficient kit being installed.  

This comprehensive project will improve this community’s local network, making it more resilient in the face of adverse weather. It also lays the groundwork for greater local network capacity in the future, in combination with other works.   

In the run-up to works beginning, SSEN has held briefing sessions with the local council and elected members, and this engagement will continue as the project progresses. Advance warning notices, and adverts will give local people guidance on how the project works might affect them.  

SSEN’s Senior Project Manager for the works, Michael Deans says: 

“This project will be beneficial locally for our customers in Christchurch and Boscombe, as well as those in the wider Bournemouth area. Their network will become more resilient, and these works will contribute to a growth in network capacity in the future, which in turn will support the move to net zero.  

“SSEN and our contract partners have already been talking to local authorities and elected members prior works beginning. Together, we’ll ensure works are carried out safely and with minimal disruption to local residents and businesses." 

Michael continues:
 
“As a considerate constructor, we’ll ensure our customers are listened to and kept updated, so we’ll be talking to people in the community and addressing any of their questions, with regular updates and open communications. 

“We’ve also been working closely with BCP Council to carefully plan the best route and works schedule, so the project is delivered as safely and quickly as possible. Due to the nature of the works, some traffic management will have to be in place at certain points, and people will be informed of any such measures well in advance.” 

A dedicated project page has been set up by SSEN for anyone wanting to find out more about the works, which can be accessed via www.ssen.co.uk/boscombe.  

No planned power interruptions are scheduled to take place during the works, but anyone who has concerns about vulnerability during power cuts is reminded of SSEN’s Priority Services Register.  

Customers are eligible for SSEN's free Priority Services Register (PSR) if they:  

  • Are deaf or hard of hearing 
  • Have a disability 
  • Live with children under five 
  • Are blind or partially sighted 
  • Have a chronic illness 
  • Use medical equipment/aids reliant on electricity 
  • Are over 60 
  • Temporarily need extra support 

To find out more about the PSR, click here or call 0800 294 3259. Additionally, you can access further information on power cuts and how SSEN can assist you during this time, by going to: Power cuts & safety - SSEN.