A power boost begins

A major initiative to boost power supplies and support the development of new homes and businesses in Wellingborough and Irthlingborough has now started.

The project began on 22 August and involves the installation of 12km of new underground cable between Wellingborough’s primary substation on London Road and the north end of the Stanton Cross development on Finedon Road. 

This work will help to further safeguard supply reliability to more than 9,000 customers in the area while supplying power to the new Stanton Cross development. 

“The work is considerable and does require some cable to be laid in the carriageway In order for engineers to work safely and quicker, there will be road closures affecting Stanley Road. A diversion will be in place around Mill Road during these times. More details will be provided nearer the time. 

Temporary rolling traffic lights will be installed along the roads affected, including Finedon Road, Cannon Street Castle Street and London Road for the rest of the time, with the work expected to be complete by Easter 2019.

“This work ensures that we can provide a high level of service to these areas in the long term by improving the infrastructure and security of our electricity network,” said Richard Macgowan, WPD’s Team Manager for the area.

 “We’ve been liaising with Northamptonshire Highways to agree the times of our work. We’ll also be writing to advise local homes and businesses affected.

“Where possible we will have extra staff working to reduce disruption. Work outside schools will take place during school holidays. 

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience that this work may cause,” Mr Macgowan added. 

Power supplies are not being affected while the work is taking place.

The project forms part of our commitment to provide a consistently high level of service to customers. Over £7billion is being invested by the company on its electricity network between 2015 and 2023.

On average, customers receive one power cut every two years that lasts under half an hour. The service costs customers 27p per day on average, through their electricity bills.