This is a major £16 million infrastructure investment to reinforce the resilience of the 33,000-volt and 11,000-volt overhead lines, poles, and underground cables in Coniston and surrounding areas including Ambleside, Ulverston, Torver and Blawith. Work includes:
A new 11,000-volt circuit is to be installed between Coniston & Ambleside to provide additional interconnection in case of a power outage to the 33,000-volt supply.
Reinforce the existing 33,000-volt supply by undergrounding 10 kilometres of the 33,000-volt overhead line and rebuilding the remaining 10 kilometres. This runs between Ulverston and Coniston.
Undergrounding the 11,000-volt overhead line which runs across Blawith Fell to improve the visual amenity of the area as well as improving the resilience of the network.
It’s important this work is carried out now to reduce power cuts in Coniston and the surrounding areas, reinforcing the power network in the event of a storm, and enabling connectivity to low carbon technologies such as electric vehicle chargers, whilst also improving the visual landscape of our National Parks.
In November 2021 amid Storm Arwen, supplies were lost to Coniston for a considerable period of time. The work we are progressing will increase the resilience of the supply to Coniston primary power network.
The project supports Cumbria’s ambition to become a net zero carbon county by 2037. It will enable electric vehicle connectivity surrounding communities, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and future-proof the electricity network to the benefit of local residents, businesses and tourists.
The project is being delivered by SP Electricity North West, with our trusted partners, Network Plus managing the excavation work.
Phase one is due to commence in July 2026 at Barngates, Ambleside. You can view the full route of work on the route map on the dedicated webpage. All work is expected to be completed in 2028.
This project runs from Ambleside to Conistion, Torver and Blawith, Ulverston. View our route map on the project web page for a full visual.
We aim to minimise any disruption. If a planned outage is required, we’ll notify you at least 48 hours in advance and provide support, including extra support for customers who require extra care.
There will be rolling traffic management along what is a very busy route along sections of the A593 and A5084, to keep the public and our engineers safe. Some road or lane closures will also be necessary. We’re working closely with Westmorland & Furness Council to finalise plans to ensure disruption is minimised and keep traffic moving.
We understand how frustrating disruption can be and the public should allow extra time for journeys.
We’re coordinating with local businesses, bus companies and tourism providers to maintain access and minimise disruption. Alternative routes will be clearly signposted where needed. All businesses will be open as usual.
We’re here to help. If you or someone you know needs extra support during the works, please contact us so we can provide tailored assistance. You can visit our Extra Care web pages for lots of help and information, and sign up to our Extra Care Register.