Harker substation project

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

This £14m capital project investment will significantly enhance the expansion of Westmorland's infrastructure to connect to low carbon technologies such as electric vehicle chargers. Thousands of homes, businesses and tourists will benefit from the new electricity infrastructure in Westmorland.

Teams will work to install 11km of new 33,000-volt underground electricity cables between Orton, Shap and Tebay, while a new substation will also be built.

The latest phase of the work will see a new substation built and this will take place from August 2025 and is scheduled to be completed in March 2026, while the wider project has a completion date of May 2027. Already, nine kilometres of underground duct (which the cable sits in) has been installed, and once teams have completed work on the new substation, work will progress on the final two kilometres.

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 of the area and the increased demand required to connect to low carbon technologies, particularly electric vehicles to contribute to Cumbria’s target to be a net zero carbon county by 2037.

• This £14m 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.
• The number of electric vehicles on our roads is predicted to rise to more than 35 million in the next 30 years. We're supporting this transition and investing in our network to ensure that it is fit for a future where low carbon technologies are commonplace in all UK homes and businesses
• We are committed to minimising disruption and keeping the community informed.
• Your feedback is important to us. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
• We are working closely with Westmorland & Furness Council to coordinate works and minimise disruption.
• A lane closure is necessary as part of the works but will be carefully planned and communicated in advance in collaboration with local authorities.
• We are committed to keeping residents, businesses, and commuters informed every step of the way.

Work is expected to be completed by May 2027, all work has been agreed with the local authorities and will largely take place on our site.