Harker substation project

We're committed to maintaining and improving the network through our capital network investment programme

We are investing £60m in to a brand new 132,000-volt substation in Harker, which is an integral part of our network improvement and capacity increase across Cumbria and beyond.

As the equipment gets older, technology advances, and demand on the electricity network increases, we need to replace infrastructure and increase its capacity, resilience and reliability to meet modern day demand.

This major network investment will significantly enhance the expansion of Cumbria’s infrastructure as art of the Cumbria Ring project.

Working in partnership with National Grid

This project runs in conjunction with National Grid as part of their £350m rebuild of the 400,000-volt Harker substation on the same site to feed supplies between Scotland and England. This will then feed in to the 132,000-volt cables and telecommunications infrastructure to connect the new substation to SP Electricity North West’s 132,000-volt network.

Following completion, National Grid will then undertake a major demolition and de-commissioning project of the old Harker substation buildings and structures.

Future-proofing the network

We are committed to keeping residents, businesses, and commuters informed every step of the way.

Once complete, local homes and businesses will benefit from the new and improved infrastructure along with supporting the regeneration and economic growth of the area and the increased demand required to connect to low carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles to contribute to Cumbria’s target to be a net zero carbon county by 2037.

As more electricity is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy, which needs to be connected to the electricity network. The work that we are delivering will provide additional network capacity to accommodate new energy generation so Harker can continue to serve as a critical intersection point on the UK energy network, connecting supplies, not just in Cumbria but between Scotland and England as a whole.

Work is expected to be completed by January 2029, all work has been agreed with the local authorities and will largely take place on our site.

At a glance

• This £60m investment will deliver a brand new 132,000-volt substation which is an integral part of our network improvement and capacity increase in Cumbria and will significantly enhance the reliability and resilience of Cumbria’s electricity infrastructure as part of the wider Cumbria Ring project.
• We are working closely with National Grid and Cumberland Council to coordinate works and minimise disruption ensuring compliance and community benefit.
• Road closures and diversions are necessary but will be carefully planned and communicated in advance in collaboration with National Grid and local authorities.
• We are committed to keeping residents, businesses, and commuters informed every step of the way.
• We are committed to minimising disruption and ensuring safety.
• This project will enhance local infrastructure and support economic growth.
• We are taking all necessary steps to protect the environment.
• This investment will help Cumbria to transition to a low carbon future, where greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to as close to zero as possible.
• We're investing in our network and developing new technologies to make it more efficient and flexible. This enables us to support the growth of low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles.
• Your feedback is important to us. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.