19 August 2004 00:00 Central Networks £1.7 million boost to Boston’s electricity network

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for the East and West Midlands, has today announced details of the latest phase of a new £1,7m works programme designed to meet the growing electricity needs of Boston.

The town has recently seen many new industrial and residential developments being built, meaning more people and businesses need power.

The £1.7m project will ensure Central Networks not only matches this increased demand but also has spare capacity for further developments in the town, while strengthening the existing network for its 34000 customers in the area.

Andrew Mason, project manager at Central Networks, said: “The project started in 2003 and has progressed well with much of the planned work already complete.

“Building work on the new substation is virtually complete. Once final commissioning is complete in September the substation will be energised.

“Based on Marsh Lane in Boston, the substation will house some of the very latest technology in the electricity industry.“

As part of the project, Central Networks will fulfil its long-term commitment to the Borough of Boston local authority and replace the current overhead line circuits, from Lealand Way to the Marsh Lane site, with underground cable.

Andrew said: “We still have a way to go, but everything is on schedule and we’re due to complete by the end of September this year. Once the work is finished an already first class network for Boston will become even better.”

The investment in Boston is part of Central Networks’ long term commitment to improve supplies across the Midlands.

Last year it spent a total of £37.5 million on improving the network across the East Midlands and is currently in negotiations with its regulator, Ofgem, for permission to spend £1.3bn between 2005 and 2010 on improving its service to its 4.8 million customers.

Ends

Notes to editors:
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables – enough to go round the Earth almost four times – and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information and pictures contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer