Millions to be spent improving electricity network
BBCMillions is to be spent to "future proof" electricity distribution in Swindon.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution say around 140,000 people could see improved services in the town. The investment comes in response to a wider move away from fossil fuels and towards renewable electricity.
Helen Belcher, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Wiltshire Council, praised the "good news" and said: "Strengthening the electricity infrastructure is vital for supporting growth, innovation, and attracting new businesses."
The project is designed to unlock more capacity for heat pumps, electric vehicle charging and clean power generation and storage in Swindon.
Work is already under way on the project and is expected to take a decade to complete.
SSEN Distribution is working with Wiltshire Council to ensure works on roadways and footpaths are planned sensibly to minimise disruption.
Work on a new underground cable route between Stratton and Faringdon will be installed before the local authority begins its own work on a new footpath, as a result of this collaboration.
SSEN say future work will "ensure Swindon has the necessary additional capacity" by making the most of green energy to drive economic growth.
Carl Pates, SSEN's Swindon Project Director, said: "As our customers move away from fossil fuels and look to renewable electricity to power their homes, cars, technology, and workplaces, we need to make sure the electricity system has the capacity and resilience to support these ambitions.
"Through this £100 million investment, we'll help support these national, regional and local growth ambitions, and ensure that the power our customers need now and in the future will be in the right place at the right time."
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