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NETWORK / 30 / SEPTEMBER 2018 PROJECT UPDATE E ngineers from Electricity North West are replacing 7.4km of underground power cable, which has been powering the area since the 1960s, with new updated and environmentally- friendly electricity cables. McGonigle explains the benefits that the upgrade will bring to customers in the area: "The underground cables have been powering the area since the 1960s so it was time for us to invest in upgrading the network to ensure that every home and business in the area continues to enjoy the power they need when they need it. "58,000 customers in Stalybridge, Buxton, Glossop and the High Peak areas will benefit from the £3m upgrade project as the new underground cables will be newer, more environmentally-friendly and reliable which will keep mobiles charging, TVs streaming and kettles boiling for years to come." The work, which has been carried out in three separate phases, has not been without its challenges. The project started back in November and Electricity North West have started the final phase of the project which will take it into September. "The main challenge has been main - taining the required spacing between each circuit, this can influence the capacity of the cables and the amount of public highway being excavated whilst causing the least dis - ruption to road users and our customers," explains McGonigle. "We have worked very closely with the highways authority and the local council to agree working arrangements and timings to minimise inconvenience to traffic." The company has been in regular contact with residents in the area to minimise dis- ruption during the upgrade. "We have invested a lot of resource and Powering Stalybridge Electricity North West is in the final phase of a major £3 million power upgrade project in Stalybridge. Alec Peachey caught up with Paul McGonigle, transmission circuits delivery manager, to find out more about the work being done. time ensuring we provide the best service to our customers which is why we have engaged with and informed the local coun- cil, all local councillors and the local MP and attended council meetings," remarked McGonigle. "Alongside this, we have also is- sued 1,500 letters and 1,900 leaflets to local residents and businesses and we have used social media and the local media to promote the work we are doing in the area." More than 50 people have worked on the project ranging from electrical and civil engineers, designers, protection engineers, cable installation teams and cable joint - ers, overhead line workers and excavation teams. McGonigle is keen to highlight the innovation involved in the project, particu - larly the replacement of cables with new environmentally-friendly ones. "The existing oil-filled cables are very old and cross over a river and canal, if they leak it poses a risk of environmental pollution to existing watercourses," notes McGonigle. "The newer cables have XLPE insulation which does not leak and does not pose a risk of environmental pollution." The new cables are capable of supplying a total of 225 Mega Volt Amps. So what has McGonigle learnt from carrying out this project? "I think put - ting yourself in our customers' shoes and understanding what disruption and impact a project like this can have on the local area is the first step. Ensuring you do everything you can to inform, build awareness and keep disruption to a minimum, thinking of the timing, which is why we planned the work for the quieter school holidays, and having a good communication plan in place is essential." If you're involved with a scheme that you think should be featured in the pro - ject update section get in touch with the editor at alecpeachey@fav-house.com THE PROJECT IN NUMBERS 7.4km The amount of underground power cable being replaced. 225MVA The new cables are capable of supplying this amount of power. 58,000 The number of customers who will benefit from the upgrade. 1,500 This number of letters have been issued to residents highlighting the work being done. £3 million Total cost of the Stalybridge power upgrade.