Harker FAQ

We’re delivering a brand new 132,000-volt substation at Harker, as part of a major upgrade to the electricity network in Cumbria as part of the wider Cumbria Ring project. This work is being carried out in partnership with National Grid, who are replacing their existing 400,000-volt substation and building new infrastructure to support national energy needs.

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.

The project will significantly improve the reliability, resilience, and capacity of Cumbria’s electricity network. It supports clean growth, low carbon technologies, and future energy demands across the region.

The project is being delivered by National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET). NGET are building a new 400,000-volt substation and also building SP Electricity North West's 132,000-volt substation. 

SP Electricity North West will add new conductors (the wires between the pylons) onto refurbished pylons at the Harker substation to feed into the Cumbria ring network.

No planned power cuts are expected during this project. We aim to minimise any disruption. If things chnage and 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.

Yes. A road closure began on 9 June and will last approximately 14 weeks. We’re working closely with National Grid and Cumberland Council to minimise disruption and keep traffic moving.

The public adopted highway (unnamed road), where the substation is situated will be closed between Monday 9 June and Sunday 9 November.  The closure will be in place 24 hours a day for the duration of this work, with a small diversion route in place along the A7. Signage will be in place to redirect vehicles and pedestrians, and residential access will be maintained.

We’re coordinating with local businesses, transport operators, farms, land owners and tourism providers to maintain access and minimise disruption. Alternative routes will be clearly signposted where needed.

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. 

The project runs from September 2023 to January 2029, with phased construction, cable installation, and eventual decommissioning of the old substation.

We’ll keep you updated through:

• Letters and leaflets
• On-site signage
• Our social media channels
• Press releases
• This dedicated web page

We’re engaging with residents, businesses, schools, and local authorities to ensure everyone is informed and involved.

National Grid have beein running school outreach and community grant programmes, and we’ll continue to support local engagement through events and updates.

You can contact our customer service team online or by calling 105, or speak to a member of our on-site team. We’re always happy to help.

We'll also keep you up to date with any upcomming community events. 

Once complete, this £50 million investment will:

• Deliver a new 132kV substation for Cumbria
• Enable electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Cumbria
• Support clean growth and low carbon technologies
• Improve network resilience and reliability
• Help Cumbria meet its net zero carbon target by 2037

Find out more about National Grid Electricity Transmission's works on the Harker substation project.