East Coast 400kV Upgrade

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. 

SSEN Transmission is responsible for maintaining and investing in the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland and our network extends over a quarter of the UK’s land mass, crossing some of its most challenging terrain.
Our operating area is home to vast renewable energy resources, and this is being harnessed by wind, hydro and marine generation. Working closely with National Grid Electricity System Operator (the 'ESO'), we enable electricity generators to connect to the transmission system, allowing the electricity generated by them to be transported to areas of demand across the country.

Following a minority stake sale which completed in November 2022, SSEN Transmission is now owned 75% by SSE plc and 25% by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board.

SSE plc sold its UK domestic electricity and gas retail business, along with domestic energy services to OVO Energy in January 2020 and no longer manages these customer accounts.

As a stakeholder-led business, 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 new projects, we want to understand what local people think about our plans.

We always endeavour to take the time to discuss our proposals with local community councils and the wider affected community and to carry out engagement throughout each of the development stages, listening to feedback before finalising project plans. The feedback we receive is vital to help us develop proposals that reflect the views of a variety of stakeholder.

To find out more about a project, visit our project web pages which can be searched by location or area. Each project has a dedicated Community Liaison Manager that you can contact. You can find their contact details in the individual project pages, where you can also sign up to project updates.

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