During the Project Assessment stage, we’re committed to evaluating potential project strategies. At this stage, we provide information about the proposed project plans on our website for stakeholders to review and provide feedback on, as well as holding in-person events within the local community demonstrating our collaborative approach to the project's development.
Stage 2: Early Development:
(Completed)
During Early Development, we concentrate on refining the project details, based on our initial assessment of key environmental, technical, and economic factors to identify the best performing approach. We would like to gain further input from communities through accessible in-person and in some cases online consultations, which are crucial in refining our plans and strategies before advancing to the application stage.
Stage 3: Project Refinement:
(Completed)
The Project Refinement stage is where we finalise project plans and submit the required planning applications to the relevant planning authorities. Communities and other key stakeholders can provide feedback directly to the appropriate body such as their local council and constituent representatives.
Stage 4: Construction Phase:
(Completed)
Within the construction phase we mobilise our workforce, contractors, and necessary equipment to begin construction. We maintain open channels of communication, allowing communities and stakeholders to submit feedback on the construction activities to our dedicated Community Liaison Managers, ensuring ongoing engagement to any thoughts or concerns while we carry out work in the area.
Stage 5: Operational Phase:
(Completed)
At this final stage, the project successfully moves into the operational phase, with the surrounding environment restored to its original state or better. Our Community Liaison Mangers continue to be available to address any questions or concerns, ensuring a lasting positive impact and strong community relations even after the construction activities conclude.
About the Project
The 132kV overhead steel tower line, which runs between Fort Augustus substation (Auchterawe) and Fort William substation (Achintee Road), was constructed in 1955. The line passes through Invergarry, north and south Laggan, along Loch Lochy, to the west of Spean Bridge then in parallel with the A82 through Torlundy and to Fort William.
We invested in the network to fully refurbish the towers and replace the existing wires (conductors) between August 2017 and summer 2020, to meet modern standards and allow increased demands. The new wires are capable of carrying increased amounts of electricity whilst ensuring the security of electricity supply.
Monte Carlo - Aluminium Conductor Composite Core
The original conductor was made using aluminium wrapped around a steel core. The replacement conductor we used is the 'Monte Carlo - Aluminium Conductor Composite Core (ACCC).
The ACCC is made using aluminium wrapped around a carbon fibre core - the change means the conductor will be twice as strong as the steel, 70% lighter and able to carry twice the amount of power. The line is operated at 132kV following the refurbishment.
How we’re embracing artificial intelligence (AI) We intend to use AI to assist our experienced teams in the analysis of your feedback, so we can categorise key points raised more quickly. You can learn more about how we’re utilising AI on this dedicated web page.
We are committed to supporting the communities in the north of Scotland where we operate, both now and in the future. As part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference and have a positive impact on local communities, we are proud to offer volunteering days to local groups and charities, particularly in the areas that host our electricity infrastructure or where our proposed projects are located.
This month, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Volunteering Webpage, designed to make it easier for local communities to request volunteering support from us. To request our help, simply complete the ‘Volunteering Nomination Form’ linked at the bottom of our new webpage. Please note, as our team works on a voluntary basis, it may take us some time to coordinate our people and match them with opportunities. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to keep up with volunteering demand.
Thank you for considering SSEN Transmission as a partner in your community efforts. Together, we can leave a positive, lasting legacy and help transform communities across the north of Scotland.
It’s the highest voltage electricity network in the UK – the ‘motorway network’ of the energy world. It transmits large quantities of electricity over long distances via wires carried on a system of mainly metal towers (pylons) and large substations. Transmission voltages in Scotland are 132kV, 275kV and 400kV. Larger generation schemes usually connect to the Transmission system.
The lower voltage parts of the system are called distribution networks. In Scotland, these local networks operate below 132kV whereas in England the distribution network includes 132kV.
SSEN Transmission is responsible for maintaining and investing in the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland and our network extends over a quarter of the UK’s land mass, crossing some of its most challenging terrain. Our operating area is home to vast renewable energy resources, and this is being harnessed by wind, hydro and marine generation. Working closely with National Grid Electricity System Operator (the 'ESO'), we enable electricity generators to connect to the transmission system, allowing the electricity generated by them to be transported to areas of demand across the country.
Following a minority stake sale which completed in November 2022, SSEN Transmission is now owned 75% by SSE plc and 25% by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board.
SSE plc sold its UK domestic electricity and gas retail business, along with domestic energy services to OVO Energy in January 2020 and no longer manages these customer accounts.
As a stakeholder-led business, throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing new projects, we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
We always endeavour to take the time to discuss our proposals with local community councils and the wider affected community and to carry out engagement throughout each of the development stages, listening to feedback before finalising project plans. The feedback we receive is vital to help us develop proposals that reflect the views of a variety of stakeholder.
To find out more about a project, visit our project web pages which can be searched by location or area. Each project has a dedicated Community Liaison Manager that you can contact. You can find their contact details in the individual project pages, where you can also sign up to project updates.
To support everyone online, we provide accessibility and language options on our website through ‘Recite me’. The accessibility and language support options provided by ‘Recite me’ include text-to-speech functionality, fully customisable styling features, reading aids, and a translation tool with over 100 languages, including 35 text-to-speech. Please select “Accessibility” on our website to try out our inclusive toolbar.
To make use of this function please click on the 3 'A's' button at the bottom left of the website.