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Virtual consultation this week on Gills Bay switching station proposals





Feedback will be sought from the public this week on proposals for a new electricity switching station in the Gills Bay area.

Energy firm SSEN Transmission will host online consultation events on Wednesday and Thursday (February 17 and 18) to engage with local community over its proposals for a site near Phillips Mains, Mey.

With physical gatherings not possible because of Covid-19 restrictions, SSEN Transmission says the virtual sessions have been designed to look and feel like a face-to-face consultation in a community hall, with exhibition boards, maps and the opportunity to share views.

The new proposals will replace existing plans, consented in 2016, to build a larger substation which incorporated a 33kV substation and two 33/132kV transformers.

Following what it describes as a change in background demand over time, SSEN Transmission says it has reviewed the project need, resulting in a redesign of the Gills Bay proposals. The redesign has reduced the size and scope of the proposals, with there no longer being a requirement of any 33kV elements or associated transformers.

Gills Bay.
Gills Bay.

SSEN Transmission is now seeking feedback on its new proposals to construct a switching station consisting of a single switchgear building which will sit on a hardcore platform. The switching station is required to facilitate the connection of new renewable energy generation in the area, playing a role in the transition to net-zero emissions.

The proposed switching station will connect to the electricity transmission network via a previously consented 132 kV overhead line and underground cable to Thurso South substation.

To facilitate the consultation events, SSEN Transmission has developed an online consultation tool "to enable the community to experience the full exhibition from home on a computer, tablet or mobile device".

Project manager Derek Hearns said: “As the transmission operator in the north of Scotland, we must develop and maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity transmission. Following the change in demand in the area we have revisited the scope of this project to ensure we present proposals which are the most economical for GB electricity bill payers.

“As a responsible developer we want to keep the local community updated on our proposals, and we are also keen to hear their views on our new plans and listen to their feedback.

“We encourage anyone who might be interested in our proposals to join the virtual consultations where they will be able to engage directly with our project team, via a live chat function, ask any questions they might have about the project and share their feedback on the current proposals.”

The virtual events will take place from 2pm-4pm on Wednesday and from 6pm-7.30pm on Thursday.

To join the virtual consultation, visit the project page.


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