£4m investment begins across East Lancashire power network

Engineers from Electricity North West have commenced work which will see £4m worth of upgrades carried out on the East Lancashire power network.  

Identified as part of its proactive investment programme, 6km of underground electricity cables will be replaced as will assets within a substation in Nelson.  

The work taking place on the 33,000-volt network will future-proof the network across Burnley and Nelson whilst also enhancing reliability, resilience and enabling more low carbon technologies like heat pumps and electric vehicle charging.  

Once complete, more than 39,000 homes and businesses are expected to benefit from the new and improved infrastructure.  

Vincent Cranny, Electricity North West’s head of capital delivery, said: “The work taking place supports our commitment to providing a safe and reliable supply of electricity whilst also allowing for the adoption of low carbon technologies.  

“This project is extensive and will see major engineering work carried out both underground and in one of our substations.  

“As the region’s power network operator, we always want to provide the best possible service for our customers and the proactive work taking place will ensure thousands of homes and businesses continue to benefit from a reliable supply of electricity.” 

Teams of engineers started work on Fleet Street which progressed to Charles Street. Work is now taking place on Eastern Avenue which will progress towards Casterton Avenue and Colne Road in the coming weeks.  

Electricity North West will initially lay underground ducts to house the cables before returning later in the year to pull the cable into place and connect them to the network. 

Work is expected to last 12 months, all work has been agreed with the local authorities and Electricity North West has hand delivered letters to customers with details of any traffic management.