Power Network Upgrades Gather Pace Across North West as SPEN Invests More Than £26m

Major electricity infrastructure upgrades are progressing across Greater Manchester and Lancashire as SP Electricity North West (SPEN) continues a programme of investment designed to strengthen the region's network for future demand.

The largest scheme is underway in Salford, where a £24 million project is modernising key transmission infrastructure serving more than 146,000 homes and businesses.

A major milestone has recently been reached with the installation of three giant electricity transformers, each weighing around 75 tonnes. The high-voltage equipment will play a central role in distributing electricity across Greater Manchester as demand for power continues to rise.

The transformers, which operate at 132kV, have been installed at SPEN's Frederick Road substation after travelling more than 1,000 miles from Austria using specialist heavy transport vehicles.

Alongside the substation works, engineers are replacing ageing underground oil-filled electricity cables with modern alternatives in the Agecroft and Duchy Road areas. Once complete, the new cable network will be connected to the upgraded transformers, creating a more resilient electricity supply capable of supporting future housing, commercial development and the growing uptake of low-carbon technologies.

Vincent Cranny, Head of Capital Delivery at SP Electricity North West, said the investment is preparing the network for long-term growth across Greater Manchester.

He said the upgraded infrastructure will provide additional capacity while improving reliability for customers as electricity demand increases through the adoption of electric vehicles, heat pumps and wider electrification.

Lancashire project also moving forward

Further north, SPEN is also making progress on a separate £2.6 million reinforcement scheme in Bolton-le-Sands, Lancashire.

The project involves installing almost five kilometres of new 33kV underground electricity cable to strengthen supplies for around 5,000 local homes and businesses.

Construction began earlier this year, with around one kilometre of underground ducting already installed. Once the civil engineering works are complete, engineers will return to install and commission the new cables.

Temporary traffic management remains in place while work continues along Coastal Road before progressing towards Marine Road East and Broadway, eventually connecting into the Winchester Avenue substation.

Local MP Lizzi Collinge recently visited the site to view progress and discuss how disruption is being managed during construction.

She described the investment as an important upgrade for the area, saying the improvements would provide long-term benefits for residents and businesses while supporting future economic growth.

SPEN says both projects form part of its wider strategy to modernise the electricity network as the transition to a lower-carbon economy accelerates, ensuring sufficient capacity is available for future homes, businesses and emerging technologies across the North West.