

SSEN Transmission operating as Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SHE Transmission) under licence has plans to reinforce the transmission network in the Macduff – Keith area. There are several new developers in the wider Keith, Elgin, and Macduff areas that require connection to the grid by October 2020.
In order to allow the connections SSEN Transmission have identified that the transmission network in the area needs to be reinforced. We have undertaken electrical system studies and have identified that the best solution is to move the Macduff circuits from Keith substation to Blackhillock substation.
Macduff substation is currently connected to Keith substation via two 132kV overhead line circuits. In order to move these circuits from Keith substation to Blackhillock substation there are various elements of work that must be undertaken; in short the existing Macduff overhead line circuits will be altered to connect into Blackhillock substation, via a combination of underground cables and existing overhead lines.
For an overview of the details involved with this project please download our project information brochure
Over the coming decade SSEN Transmission plan to undertake substantial efforts to maintain, reinforce and improve our transmission network in the North East and East Coast of Scotland.
As part of this process we have created an information brochure to help paint the bigger picture of what we are planning, why we are doing so and when we intend carry out works in the local area. Please click here to view or download our brochure from the project documentation tab and get in touch with any questions or queries you may have.
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The data in this map is provided for indicative purposes only and may be subject to change. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc do not accept responsibility for its accuracy, completeness or validity. The data should not be copied, reproduced or utilised externally without permission.
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.
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.
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.
Related Projects: North East 400kV
Related Projects: Alyth 275kV Substation & Reactive Compensation, East Coast 275kV OHL Upgrade, East Coast 400kV OHL Upgrade, Kintore 400kV Substation, North East 400kV, Peterhead Substation, New Deer Substation, Rothienorman Substation, Tealing Substation Extension
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