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Creag Dhubh - Inveraray 275kV Overhead Line

Project overview
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Project Type: Transmission reinforcement
Location: Argyll & Bute

Contact Details

Liaison Manager

Helen Batey
Title: Community Liaison Manager
Email: helen.batey@sse.com
Mobile: 07778453993
Address: 1 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6AY

Land Manager

Murray Philip
Email: Murray.Philp@sse.com
Telephone: 07918 404 557
Address: Inveralmond House,
200 Dunkeld Road,
Perth,
PH1 3AQ
Status: Project assessment

Latest

Alternate Text

Communities encouraged to build resilience with powerful £280k fund

Date: 31 Mar 2021
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Building a network for net Zero: SSEN Transmission webinar to share ambitious investment plans for Argyll and Bute Region

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Inveraray - Crossaig Project

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Creag Dhubh - Dalmally 275kV Project

About the Project

 

SSEN Transmission has seen a significant increase in generator connection applications in Argyll and Kintyre, with over 600 MW total generation having applied for a connection to the network in the region in the last 18 months. 

This increase in generation seeking connection to the transmission network is driving the requirement for further reinforcement over and above the Inveraray – Crossaig and the Creag Dhubh - Dalmally 275kV projects.

This proposed project, forms part of a wider Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy for the regional network to enable the connection of the new contracted generation, and future scoping generation.

Scope of Works

This project proposes to construct a new 275kV double circuit overhead line between Creag Dhubh substation (established as part of the Creag Dhubh - Dalmally 275kV project) and a tee point on the Inveraray – Crossaig circuit.

The overhead line is proposed to be between 8-12km.

The existing 132kV overhead line between Creag Dhubh substation and Inveraray switching station will be dismantled. As a result Inveraray switching station will be disconnected from the Kintyre circuit.

Community Engagement

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 proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.

We endeavour to take the time to discuss proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.

We will do our best to answer any questions and address issues or concerns that are raised with us.

When our project progresses into construction, we will continue working closely with the local community to ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long term positive effects as possible.

We are currently working towards holding a Virtual Public Consultation later this Summer. Further details will become available in due course. 

Should you wish to be contacted with updates in relation to this project, please sign up for updates at the bottom of this page or contact the Community Liaison Manager. 

Legend

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.

Who is Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks?

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Logo

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.

How are Transmission network upgrades paid for?

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.

How are proposals scrutinised?

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.

What are The Holford Rules?

The Holford Rules originated in 1959 as the result of work by Lord Holford, a part-time member of the Central Electricity Generating Board (National Grid's predecessor). The Holford Rules have been augmented by both National Grid and SHE Transmission plc to reflect environmental legislation and best practice in recent years. We have continued to use them as a valuable set of guidelines for reducing the impact of our assets on landscapes.
The guidance recommends appropriate application of the Holford Rules to inform routeing. These rules advocate the application of a hierarchical approach to routeing which first avoids major areas of highest amenity, then smaller areas of high amenity, and finally considers factors such as backdrop, woodland and orientation. The Holford Rules apply the term ‘amenity’ to refer to environmental designations and classifications such as Natura 2000 sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, National Parks.
The guidance also recognises that the key effect of overhead lines is visual and it advises that the routeing of overhead lines should consider the types of mitigation (screening) that could offset any visual effects.
In their National Policy Statement EN-5, the Government has stated that the Holford Rules “should be followed by developers when designing their proposals.” Their use is therefore Government policy, rather than a voluntary choice of SHE Transmission plc.

How and to what extent are electricity consumers' interests considered?

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.

What is the transmission network?

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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Argyll and Bute Information Sharing Webinar

26 Mar 2021 12:13
On Wednesday 17th March, SSEN Transmission hosted an Argyll and Bute Information Sharing Webinar, to provide local stakeholders with an interest in future electricity network plans for Argyll and Bute the chance to join us to hear about our stakeholder-led plans for the future and receive an update on the current construction and operation activities in the region. For those who were unable to attend, we have uploaded a recording of the session which you can view by clicking on the adjacent video.

Argyll and Bute Information Sharing Webinar - March 21 - Slide Deck
Download
File Type: pdf
Published: 18 Mar 2021
Creag Dhubh - Inveraray - Overhead Line Route Selection - Consultation Document - June 2021

Related Projects: Creag Dhubh - Inveraray 275kV Overhead Line

Download
File Type: pdf
Published: 08 Jun 2021
Creag Dhubh - Inveraray - Overhead Line Route Selection - Consultation Document - Appendix Figures - June 2021
Download
File Type: pdf
Published: 08 Jun 2021

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