Weymouth substation upgrade will help deliver greener power

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has announced plans to revamp the Chickerell substation near Weymouth.

The multi-million-pound project aims to provide more robust, flexible and resilient electricity infrastructure.

This upgrade will benefit more than 60,000 homes and businesses across south-west Dorset.

The work at the Chickerell substation, built in the 1960s, is set to begin this month. Outdated equipment will be replaced with efficient technology to support the delivery of cleaner, greener electricity.

READ: Weymouth business wins top award for second year running

SSEN's contract partner, Aureos, will be responsible for the installation of new switchgear and replacement of key electrical components.

An elevated indoor switch-house will be constructed to protect critical infrastructure from salt corrosion.

Scheduled to continue through to mid-2028, the project is expected to enhance operational safety and increase the substation's capacity to meet future demand.

This includes supporting the rising number of customers generating their own electricity in areas like Portland, Weymouth, Dorchester and Cerne Abbas.

Kris Haskins, project manager at SSEN, said: "Chickerell substation plays a crucial role in south-west Dorset’s electricity network, serving as a key gateway for delivering power to over 60,000 customers.

"With much of the equipment dating back to the post-war era, this upgrade is a timely and essential step in modernising our infrastructure to meet the region’s growing energy demands, particularly as we transition to low-carbon technologies."

READ: Dorset energy firm unveils major new plans

Kris assured that the majority of the work would occur within the substation itself, expecting "minimal disruption to the local community."

However, he warned that the area around the substation might experience an increase in construction traffic.

SSEN’s project director said: "We’re excited to launch this project at Chickerell Substation as part of a significant investment programme in SSEN’s Dorset electricity network.

"By upgrading our substations and network, we’re enabling the capture of more green energy and delivering a secure, flexible, and resilient power supply that will support local communities and economic growth for years to come."

READ: Council saves £54,000 per year in energy costs with solar panels

To share more about the project and gather feedback, SSEN and Aureos invited residents and stakeholders to meet the project team at drop-in sessions.

This project is part of SSEN's broader initiative to strengthen and modernise the electricity network across the region.

The Chickerell substation upgrade is one of several planned improvements to support the transition to low-carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels and heat pumps.