Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has unveiled plans for a significant £20 million upgrade to the Chickerell substation near Weymouth, a crucial investment aimed at delivering “cleaner, greener electricity” to homes and businesses across south-west Dorset.
The multi-million-pound project is designed to create a more robust, flexible, and resilient electricity infrastructure, directly benefiting over 60,000 homes and commercial enterprises in the region.
Work on the Chickerell substation, originally constructed in the 1960s, is scheduled to commence this month. Outdated equipment will be systematically replaced with modern, efficient technology, specifically chosen to bolster the delivery of renewable energy. SSEN’s contract partner, Aureos, will oversee the installation of new switchgear and the replacement of other vital electrical components. A key feature of the upgrade will be the construction of an elevated indoor switch-house, designed to safeguard critical infrastructure from the corrosive effects of salt, a particular concern in this coastal area.
The project is expected to continue through to mid-2028, promising enhanced operational safety and a significant increase in the substation’s capacity to meet future electricity demand. This foresight is crucial for supporting the growing number of local customers generating their own electricity in areas such as 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. 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.”
This project forms 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 designed to facilitate the transition to low-carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and heat pumps, reinforcing Dorset’s position in the UK’s green energy landscape.
Image source: SSEN
