ScottishPower Energy Networks has outlined plans for a £10m investment project which will upgrade the electricity network in Mid Galloway.

The investment, which is already underway, will secure electricity supplies to homes and businesses in the area and will also help improve storm resilience. As a result, this will mean fewer, and shorter, interruptions during extreme weather events such as those experienced in March 2013 when a build-up of ice and snow caused extensive damage to the electricity network.

Within the Mid Galloway area, ScottishPower has said it has already, or will be carrying out, the following work:

• 80km of overhead line is currently being refurbished from Sorbie to Port William and covers Elrig to Craignarget Hill Forest. This work is nearing completion.



• The main powerlines, 40km from Newton Stewart to Sorbie will be upgraded during the period 2014 and 2015



• 60km of overhead line from Sorbie , Whithorn to Monreith will be refurbished during 2015



• 45km of overhead line from Sorbie to the Isle of Whithorn will be refurbished during 2015



• 37km of overhead line from Sorbie, Garlieston to Kirkinner will be rebuilt during 2015



• 27km of overhead line from Sorbie to Whauphill will be rebuilt during 2015.

Neil Carruthers, Manager at ScottishPower Energy Networks in Dumfries said: "This multi-million pound investment project is the start of an on-going commitment that will ensure that the electricity network in Mid Galloway is modern and robust, securing supplies for decades to come.

"We are committed to keeping communities fully informed of the work being carried out and we look forward to working with them throughout this investment programme and beyond."

(JP/IT)