Stockport investment

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

This capital project sees a £38 million investment to replace two 132,000-volt old oil filled underground cables between Bredbury and Longsight as well as a 33,000-volt oil filled underground cable between Veron Park and Heaton Norris with modern, environmentally friendly aluminium cables, increasing resilience and reliability and protecting nearby watercourses.

Originally scheduled for the Ofgem regulatory period RIIO-ED3 (2029-2033), phase one of the project has been brought forward following severe flooding in January 2025, with urgent action needed to reinforce the network.

Phase one sees a 2.4 kilometre section of 132,000-volt and 33,000-volt oil filled cable circuits installed with much of the work taking place within the grounds of Reddish Vale Country park and presents a complex engineering challenge that requires a directional drill to install the replacement cable underneath the river Tame.

Phase two will see engineers return in the RIIO-ED3 regulatory period to replace the remaining 16 kilometres of 132,000-volt oil‑filled cable and 2 kilometres of 33,000 oil‑filled cable.

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.

• This £38m investment will contribute to future-proofing Stockport’s electricity infrastructure and provide a safe and reliable network
• We are working closely with Stockport Council to coordinate works and minimise disruption.
• The project supports our commitment to removing oil-filled cables from the network by 2040, supporting clean growth and net zero targets
• We are committed to keeping residents, businesses, and commuters informed every step of the way.
• 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, reliable 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

Phase one is expected to be completed in summer 2026. All work has been agreed with the local authorities and disruption will be kept to a minimum.