Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has been included in the initial release of the new National Underground Assets Register (NUAR), set up by the Geospatial Commission; part of the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

NUAR aims to bring together infrastructure asset data from across statutory undertaker organisations through a new interactive, digital map of underground pipes and cables.

This initial April 2023 release, which includes SSEN data, covers north east England, Wales and London, with later releases planned for 2024 and 2025 which will cover the rest of England and Northern Ireland.

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Data relating to SSEN's electricity infrastructure in the south - which covers parts of West London - has already been uploaded onto NUAR for the initial April 2023 release and is available now to use. As distribution operator for central southern England, SSEN will continue to work with the Geospatial Commission on ensuring full coverage of our assets in NUAR over the coming months.

Christopher Bratt is SSEN's Director of Asset Management for Distribution. He said:

"Through this new single platform those working in the vicinity of our assets will have easier access to up-to-date records to ensure they dig safely.

"It also enhances our visibility of other assets near ours. NUAR complements the existing platforms which SSEN is involved with such as Line Search Before U Dig (LSBUD) and VAULT, and we encourage all underground infrastructure owners to engage with these platforms, so we can all continue to operate safely."

NUAR will also complement the Scottish Roadworks Commissioner VAULT system, for which SSEN has been providing asset data for its electricity distribution network in the north of Scotland.