Work Begins On £16 Million Lake District Power Network Upgrade
Engineers have begun a major electricity network upgrade designed to improve reliability and increase future capacity across Lake District communities.
The project, led by SP Electricity North West, will see new underground electricity cables installed in Coniston as part of a wider 39 kilometre scheme stretching across Ambleside, Ulverston, and Coniston. The investment also includes upgrades to overhead lines and wooden poles.
As part of the programme, overhead power lines and wooden poles on Blawith Fell will be removed and replaced with more resilient infrastructure. The company says the improvements will strengthen the local electricity network while reducing the risk of disruption during severe weather.
The £16 million scheme was first announced earlier this year and forms part of SP Electricity North West's wider investment programme to modernise ageing infrastructure across the region. The work is intended to meet growing electricity demand while supporting future housing, businesses, and low carbon developments.
Construction has started on Bog Lane, where engineering teams are expected to remain for approximately eight weeks. Temporary traffic management measures are in place while the underground cables are installed.
Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron visited the site to meet project teams and view the scale of the engineering work. He welcomed the investment, saying recent storms had exposed weaknesses in the area's electricity network and demonstrated the need for greater resilience.
Jonathan Eggleston, Head of Operations for SP Electricity North West, said the investment would significantly improve network reliability while future proofing critical electrical infrastructure. He added the company is working closely with local authorities to minimise disruption for residents and businesses throughout the project.
While acknowledging that the works will inevitably cause some inconvenience, both the company and local representatives have stressed the long term benefits of a stronger, more reliable electricity supply. Regular updates will be provided as construction progresses through the various stages of the scheme.
Got a news story or tip to share? Contact our editorial team by emailing news@lakelandpost.co.uk or call us directly on 0333 090 2080.