Work to boost power supplies to homes and businesses in the Wootton Common area of the Isle of Wight has now been completed by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).
The £1 million project to upgrade and replace part of the island’s electricity infrastructure began in the autumn of 2021 and included the upgrade of all the local, associated network protection systems.
The series of works boosts power supplies to more than 3,400 customers living and working in the area, providing a network fit for the needs of Island customers for many years to come.
SSEN also used the works as an opportunity to improve the environment and visual aspect around the Common, by decommissioning an oil storage tank and associated equipment that were no longer in use.
SSEN’s project manager, Tim Eccleston, said:
“Our project team is delighted to have worked on this infrastructure upgrade, strengthening the network against adverse weather conditions.
“I’d like to thank the residents and businesses owners in Wootton Common — and the wider area of Ryde — for their patience while we carried out this programme of works.”
With an estimated population of around 142,000, the Island is forecast to have as many as 23,554 electric vehicle (EV) charge points by the end of 2030 and reaching 49,902 by 2050.
Additionally, heat pumps installed across the island are forecast to rise to 19,036 by 2030.