SSEN Distribution is set to host a series of public information events on Tuesday, 27 May, and Wednesday, 28 May, ahead of the scheduled start of cable installation works for its North Shetland Reinforcement Project on 16 June.

The project, first announced last autumn, involves OCU installing two new High Voltage cables along a 43km route between Gremista and the north of Mainland Shetland. With some of these works impacting public roads, SSEN Distribution and OCU are keen to provide advance notice to residents and businesses in Shetland.

The upcoming sessions will offer an opportunity to meet the project team, learn more about the recently confirmed timeline for these essential works, and understand the benefits the project will deliver to local homes and businesses.

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SSEN Distribution's Project Manager, Steve Cowie, highlighted the project's significance: “This project involves a significant infrastructure upgrade for Mainland Shetland and will increase network capacity for future development in support of the uptake of low carbon technologies, as well as helping to improve the reliability and security of the power supply for communities across the islands."

David Forrest, Operations Project Manager, OCU Group, added: "We have been engaging with local supply chain and will be mobilising local teams to begin enabling works along sections of the carriageway from 16 June onwards. We're also working with the Shetland Island Council Roads Service to ensure communities have advance notice of the works, and the upcoming engagement events will be a valuable opportunity to meet local people and explain more about the works we have planned."

The 43km cable route will involve work on both private land and public highways and is expected to take approximately two years to complete. The initial 12km of advanced cabling works are anticipated to last around nine months, involving a rolling programme in 500m sections.

Engagement Event Details:

• Tuesday, 27 May: 12:00 – 6:00 pm, Brae Hotel, Brae, ZE2 9QJ

• Wednesday, 28 May: 12:00 – 6:00 pm, Lerwick Town Hall, Hillhead, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0HB

Learn more about the project here: North Shetland Reinforcement Project - SSEN