ScottishPower Energy Networks (SPEN) has submitted proposals to Ofgem outlining a £5.2bn investment programme.

The scheme would create 2,500 jobs and play a key role in supporting the UK's transition to a low carbon economy, as well as improving services and reducing costs for customers.

Plans by the energy firm include a multi-billion pound investment between 2015 and 2023 to renew and maintain cables and substations that keep the lights on for more than 3.5m customers in Central Scotland, Merseyside North & Mid Wales.

A major focus of the investment will also involve further reinforcing power lines and substations in rural areas to combat the effects of severe weather. Since the late 1990's SPEN has rebuilt power lines and cleared trees in strategic locations, helping to reduce power cuts during storms by 75%.

To carry out the ambitious plans, ScottishPower said it would invest £90m on recruitment and training, while the total number of jobs created throughout the next decade by the company could reach up to 4,000. Work has already started on recruitment from schools, colleges and universities.

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Frank Mitchell, CEO of ScottishPower Energy Networks, said: "We have a unique opportunity to completely modernise our infrastructure and create a blueprint to support growth for generations to come.

"Millions of homes and businesses in our network areas rely on a safe and secure supply of electricity. Through high levels of maintenance, we currently have reliability on average of more than 99 percent. However, to keep driving improvements and deliver more advanced and smarter infrastructure, which will bring real benefits for customers, we need to invest significantly in our network.

"This £5.2billion investment will create thousands of highly skilled jobs, as we will need a new generation of engineers and technicians to deliver the upgrades. We have already started recruiting and we are also investing in partnerships with educational establishments to encourage more people to benefit from the opportunities in our industry.

"By utilising new technology, we can deliver an even more robust network that improves efficiency, results in fewer and shorter interruptions and supports the generation of low carbon electricity."

This is the largest ever investment in ScottishPower's distribution network, and compliments the £2.6bn investment in the transmission network between now and 2021. The investments will lay the foundations for a 'smart' network, significantly improving the efficiency of the existing network, improving reliability for consumers and, at the same time, improving customer service.

The investment and job creation can be accelerated dependent upon a successful fast track regulatory settlement with Ofgem, who will now consider ScottishPower Energy Network's proposals.

(JP/CD)