SP Energy Networks has announced a major investment in Britain's electricity grid, selecting 19 preferred partners to deliver a £5.4bn supply chain programme. This significant initiative aims to meet increasing energy demand and facilitate future growth.

The selected companies, many of which are headquartered in the UK and Ireland, will play a crucial role in upgrading the grid, creating 1,000 new jobs and supporting tens of thousands more in the supply chain. This long-term partnership, spanning an initial 5 years with the potential for a 10-year extension, offers stability and security to businesses, enabling them to invest in their workforce, equipment, and services.

Key partners include Keltbray Energy Limited, I&H Brown, and RJ McLeod, who will contribute to the construction and upgrade of overhead lines and substations across the network.

Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks, said: "We're delivering the biggest overhaul of the electricity grid ever seen to unlock growth and free up network capacity for new homes, businesses and clean energy projects.

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"These strategic partnerships will give suppliers the confidence to invest in themselves, growing their workforce, opening new offices across the country and creating even greater opportunities for the UK.

"This is great news for the UK and Scottish supply chains, with every pound spent directly benefiting central southern Scotland and its infrastructure for decades to come."

The agreement includes up to £3bn on new overhead lines and £2.4bn on new and upgraded substations, including design, engineering, construction, and electrical works.

The successful suppliers joined Nicola Connelly to sign SP Energy Networks' Delivery Charter at an event at the company's Glasgow HQ on Thursday, which outlines the businesses commitment to delivering on green jobs and talent development, a positive impact on communities and a safe working environment.

SP Energy Networks, part of ScottishPower, owns and operates the transmission network for central and southern Scotland with more than 4,500km of overhead electricity lines, 600 km of underground cables and over 150 substations to transport high voltage power across the region. It also operates undersea high voltage cables and last week was given the go-ahead to progress with a new underwater superhighway off the east coast of Britain.

In September ScottishPower confirmed it was doubling its investment in the UK to 2028, from £12bn to £24bn, with two thirds focused on electricity networks.

In the coming weeks SP Energy Networks will submit its five-year business plan for the period 2026 to 2031 to the energy regulator, Ofgem. These plans will play an important role in helping deliver the UK Government's Clean Power 2030 ambition.