Roosecote to Sellafield

Groundbreaking innovation:

Originally constructed in 1955, the transmission route spans 47 kilometres and comprises 152 towers. To support increased electrical loads, the existing infrastructure will be upgraded with 132,000-volt ACCC Oslo (Aluminium Conductor Composite Core) conductors. These advanced conductors offer increased electrical capacity with minimal modifications required to the current tower structures. Once complete, the upgraded system will significantly enhance both the electrical load capacity and resilience of the power network, ensuring improved reliability and performance of the transmission network.

Key works to 152 towers: 

• 54 towers – Fully replaced 
• 98 towers – Steelwork upgraded to suit new conductor 
• 9 towers – Foundation replacement & repair
• 80 towers – Muff replacement (the concrete bases at the foot of electricity pylons)
• 1134 – Insulator sets replacement
• 350 tonnes - Steel replacement  
• 329 kilometres – Aluminium overhead line replacement with ACCC Oslo conductor
• 47 kilometres - Optical fibre encased ground wire replacement

The work will take place between August 2025 and is scheduled to be completed by March 2027.

We're committed to keeping residents, businesses, and the local community updated 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.

Key commitment:

• This £56m investment will help Cumbria to transition to a low carbon future, where greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to as close to zero as possible.
• Safety is the cornerstone of everything we do. We're committed to protecting our employees, contractors, and the surrounding communities by maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across all project activities.
• We're investing in our network and developing new technologies to make it more efficient and flexible. 
• 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're committed to minimising disruption and keeping the community informed. Your feedback is important to us. Please reach out with any questions or concerns. Phone: 0800 195 4141 Email: enquiries@enwl.co.uk.
• We're working closely with Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumberland Council to coordinate works and minimise disruption.
• We're dedicated to minimising any disruption to Cumbria’s unique ecology. We're working closely with Natural England to ensure all activities are carried out with environmental sensitivity and in full compliance with conservation standards.
• Planned supply interruptions will be necessary as part of the work but will be carefully planned and communicated in advance in collaboration with local authorities.
• We're committed to keeping residents, businesses, and commuters informed every step of the way.

Work is expected to be completed by March 2027. All work has been agreed with the local authorities and disruption will be kept to a minimum.