SP Energy Networks has announced a multi-million pound investment to upgrade and improve the resilience and reliability of the local electricity network in the Scottish Borders.

The £13 million programme of improvement works will see a new 18km underground cable installed under the A72 Peebles Road as well as the modernisation of the existing Yair Bridge substation by the end of 2025.

It will also allow for the removal of the Walkerburn substation, which has been affected by flooding in the past, and support additional protective measures on overhead lines in the area.

This significant investment – part of SP Energy Networks' overall £180 million spending programme in Edinburgh and the Borders between 2023-2028 – will make a positive and lasting difference for local people who have experienced periodic disruption to power supplies in recent years.

The works – which are expected to get underway in October, subject to council approval, and last around 14 months – will also boost capacity on the network to facilitate the connection of more low-carbon technologies like electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps.

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SP Energy Networks' District General Manager for Edinburgh and the Borders, David Climie, said: "This will be a truly transformative project for local people and we're excited to be getting to work soon.

"We've gone above and beyond to find the best possible solution to address the localised network issues in this area, as well as futureproofing the network to meet growing electricity demand as people make greener choices in their daily lives.

"We're also working closely with the local council and have put a lot of thought into carefully planning these works to keep any disruption to a minimum. We appreciate there will be some inconvenience, but we know the real and lasting difference this substantial investment will make in delivering a modern and reliable electricity network for the Borders that supports a cleaner and greener future."

To facilitate the works, temporary traffic restrictions will be in place as necessary during the works, including two-way traffic lights on affected roads. The Yair Bridge will remain open at all times.

Before the works get underway, community information events will be held in Innerleithen and Walkerburn to give local people the chance to find out more, meet the team from SP Energy Networks and PMK Construction – the contractor carrying out the works, and raise any queries.

The events are open to everyone and take place at:

• 7.30pm on Wednesday 11 September: Memorial Hall, 11 Leithen Road, Innerleithen

• 5.30pm on Wednesday 18 September: Walkerburn Village Hall, Galashiels Road, Walkerburn.

David Climie concluded: "We want to ensure local people know exactly what's happening and when, so we look forward to seeing as many people as possible coming along to our local information events."