Roosecote to Sellafield

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

This project will see the refurbishment and re-conductoring of 132,000-volt overhead line towers (pylons), covering a 47km route from Roosecote to Sellafield, along the Cumbria West Coast.  

This £56m capital project investment will significantly enhance the reliability and resilience of Cumbria’s electricity network as part of the Cumbria Ring project and the expansion of Cumbria's infrastructure to connect to low carbon technologies such as electric vehicle chargers, solar panels and heat pumps. Thousands of homes, businesses and tourists will benefit from the new electricity infrastructure across all of Cumbria and help Cumbria achieve its net zero targets.

Built in 1955, the route consits of 152 Towers along a 47km route, to accommodate higher electrical loads, heavier conductors are required. This means installing new 132,000-volt oerhead lines. The electrical capacity of this infrasstructure will almost double from the existing 142 mega volt-ampere (MVA) in summer months / 162MVA in winter months to 259MVA in summer months / 294MVA in winter months.

Key works to 152 towers: 

• 51 towers – Fully replaced 
• 23 towers – Steelwork replaced 
• 9 towers – Foundation replacement & repair
• 38 towers – Muff replacement (the concrete bases at the foot of electricity pylons)
• 1600 – Insulator sets replacement
• 282km – Overhead line re-conductoring
• 350 tonnes - Steel replacement 
• 282km - Aluminium conductor replacement 

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

We are 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.

• 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.
• 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 and Cumberland Council to coordinate works and minimise disruption.
• Planned supply interuptions will be 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 March 2027, all work has been agreed with the local authorities and disruption will be kept to a minimum.