SSEN Transmission welcomes members of the local community and all interested parties to our up coming consultation that opens on Monday 9 May and closes on Monday 6 June to gain views and feedback on two projects, each of which are at different stages in their development:
This project involves the construction and operation of between 8 and 12 km of new 275kV overhead line, supported by steel lattice towers, between the proposed new substation at Creag Dhubh and a connection point on the recently constructed Inveraray to Crossaig overhead line. In July 2021, SSEN Transmission held virtual public consultations to share information and seek feedback on the Route Options for these proposals. Since this consultation, we have developed the project and we now have a Preferred Alignment which we would like your views on. The Preferred Alignment is within Route Option B.
SSEN Transmission seeks to connect the proposed Blarghour Wind Farm to the wider electricity network. The project will connect and operate a 132kV overhead line between the proposed Blarghour Wind Farm and the proposed Creag Dhubh substation. This connection requires between 5 and 8 km of new overhead line, depending on the route taken. During this consultation we are seeking feedback on two Route Options for this connection. Both projects are part of the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy, which is group of projects designed to deliver an increase in network capability to enable the connection of further renewable generation and to export energy to the wider GB network.
In order to provide an opportunity for the community to share their views with us, we would like to welcome you to the events we have organised both in person and online. We have produced a brochure for these events that can be downloaded from the 'project documentation' section of this webpage. If you would like this brochure posted out to you we are more than happy to arrange this.
We encourage all interested parties to give us feedback during this time using the feedback forms on the website or by posting them to us; we can accept feedback by email, phone and post.
Our in person events will take place at the following dates and times:
Our online live instant messaging chat sessions with the project team are organised for:
The live chat sessions can be accessed by clicking on the image below.
The original transmission network in Argyll and Bute was constructed over 60 years ago and designed to transmit electricity to consumers in rural areas of low-density population.
As the UK strives for Net Zero (achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out), SSEN Transmission has seen a significant increase in generator connection applications in Argyll and Kintyre in the last 18 months, predominantly in renewable generation.
There is therefore a requirement for us to increase our network capability in Argyll and Kintyre, beyond that already under current construction and public development, to enable the connection of further renewable generation and to export to the wider GB network. We have called this group of works designed to deliver the required increase in network capacity our ‘Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy’.
Our Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy consists of 3 projects, one of which has previously been consulted on publicly since 2016 and another two which are in early development and the initial consultation stage. They are as follows:
This project involves establishing a new substation at Creag Dhubh and new switching station at Glen Lochy, connected by approximately 14km of new overhead line.
This is a new project which would involve between 8-12 km of new 275kV overhead line constructed between the proposed new substation at Creag Dhubh, and a connection point on the Inveraray to Crossaig overhead line. It will initially be operated at 132kV, but will be capable of 275kV operation, once associated transmission network connected substations to the south have been upgraded to 275kV capability. The existing 132kV overhead line between Inveraray and the proposed new Creag Dhubh substation will be removed.
To complete the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy, existing connected substations south of Inveraray require upgrade to 275kV capability, as a result we are progressing with a new project which would involve construction and operation of new 275kV electricity substations in the vicinity of the existing An Suidhe, Crarae and Crossaig Substations, and in the vicinity of Craig Murrail, north of Lochgilphead.
The Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy was introduced to stakeholders during a regional webinar on 17th March 2021. Within the webinar, members of our project team outline the generation background history, the timeline we are working to and provide further context of the project requirement and anticipated next steps. To view the webinar, please click on the video adjacent.
Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a project and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
We endeavour to take the time to discuss our proposals with local community councils and the wider affected community and to carry out engagement at key stages, listening to feedback before finalising project plans.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is the trading name of Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution Limited, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc and Southern Electric Power Distribution plc.
Investments in projects are made by SHE Transmission plc. Electricity transmission companies are authorised to recover the costs of such investments through 'use of system' charges which are levied by National Grid Electricity Transmission plc on generators and suppliers of electricity. Suppliers recover their costs from all electricity customers. In order to protect the interests of customers, the transmission companies have to demonstrate to the energy regulator, Ofgem (Office for Gas and Electricity Markets) that proposed investments are necessary, are efficient and are economical so that the charges which are ultimately levied on all electricity customers are justified.
This means SHE Transmission is subject to a funding mechanism established by Parliament and regulated by Ofgem. Cross subsidies between different businesses in the SSE group is not permitted.
The Scottish Ministers are responsible for determination of applications submitted under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. Both statutory consultees and members of the public have the right to submit their representations on the application. All representations will be considered by Scottish Ministers in their determination of the application.
The Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), as the regulator, has to approve all investment so project proposals are developed under license conditions.
Preferred route corridors chosen will comply with revised ‘Holford Rules’ which are the recognised industry approach to routeing overhead lines amended to reflect Scottish circumstances.
SHE Transmission are regulated by the Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), the regulator responsible for representing consumers' interests. Electricity consumer interests are therefore one of our key drivers and this is enshrined in our statutory duties under the Electricity Act.
In particular we have a statutory duty to develop, maintain and operate an efficient, economic and co-ordinated transmission system. Since the costs of these projects will ultimately be paid for by electricity consumers, we have a responsibility to take cost into account with due weighting in a comparison against other important factors.
It’s the highest voltage electricity network in the UK – the ‘motorway network’ of the energy world. It transmits large quantities of electricity over long distances via wires carried on a system of mainly metal towers (pylons) and large substations. Transmission voltages in Scotland are 132kV, 275kV and 400kV. Larger generation schemes usually connect to the Transmission system.
The lower voltage parts of the system are called distribution networks. In Scotland, these local networks operate below 132kV whereas in England the distribution network includes 132kV.
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For information on how we collect and process your data, please see our privacy notice at www.ssen.co.uk/PrivacyNotice/. If you do not have access to our website, or would like to receive a hard copy, please contact us.
