£32m boost for power network

Oct 30 2007 By Jon Griffin, Birmingham Mail

A £32 MILLION project to improve electricity supplies throughout east Birmingham has been launched by Central Networks.

The electricity firm today hailed the nine-year improvement programme as one of the largest ever undertaken by the group, currently in the middle of a £1.2 billion network investment scheme.

Essential improvement work to replace and reinforce ageing infrastructure in the area - including some installed between 1937 and 1958 - is under way.

New Central Networks managing director John Crackett said: "The programme is costing £32 million and is taking place in three phases.

"The first phase of work is currently under way and will run into 2008 and involves the installation of two new high voltage cables in east Birmingham, each about 12km long, establishing a new sub-station in the Kitts Green area and reinforcement of Sparkbrook sub-station.

"The second phase is due to begin in 2009 and will run into 2011. It will involve the installation of a new high voltage cable running from the existing Hams Hall sub-station to the new Kitts Green sub-station and establishing a new high voltage sub-station to replace the existing Boughton Road sub-station.

"The third phase is still at planning level. It is expected to begin in 2013, will run into 2014, and will involve establishing a new high voltage sub-station within the east Birmingham area."

Mr Crackett said the £32 million scheme would greatly improve network performance and the overall reliability of electricity supplies in east Birmingham for 80,000 customers.

"It's one of the largest projects Central Networks has ever undertaken, and the largest during this investment period.

"The east Birmingham development strategy not only improves the performance and security to the 80,000 directly connected customers, it also delivers improved security to the adjoining network."