Oxfordshire’s electricity network is getting a major £200 million transformation, with a huge upgrade set to boost resilience and unlock capacity for low-carbon technology.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution has announced a major investment programme, starting this spring, to future-proof the region’s power infrastructure.
Working alongside OCU Group, SSEN will enhance the network’s ability to support homes, businesses and public services for decades to come.
Carl Pates, SSEN’s Oxfordshire project director, said the work will ensure the county is ready for a greener future. “As our customers move away from fossil fuels and look to renewable electricity to power and heat their homes, cars, technology and workplaces, we need to make sure the electricity system has the capacity and resilience to support these ambitions.”
The upgrade will allow for more electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps and small-scale renewable energy projects like solar power, helping Oxfordshire cut emissions while meeting rising energy demand.
Around 270,000 homes and businesses will benefit from a more secure, flexible power supply.
The project also supports Oxfordshire’s booming economy, with the county planning 100,000 new homes and 86,500 jobs by 2031.
County Councillor Dr Pete Sudbury welcomed the investment, saying: “It will bring jobs, opportunities and an even more resilient power supply to the local area, enabling so many more homes and businesses to take up low-carbon technologies.”
SSEN is working to minimise disruption, with much of the work taking place within existing substations.
Residents and businesses will be informed ahead of any work affecting their area. More details and updates are available at www.ssen.co.uk/oxfordshire.
