Ofgem has given preliminary approval to a request from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) for £23.4 million of funding to remove several stretches of overhead power lines from a national park in Scotland and replace them with underground cables.
The company plans to replace around 7 kilometres of 132kV overhead line – 4.5 kilometres near Glen Falloch (£13 million) and 3 kilometres near Loch Sloy (£10.4 million), both of which are situated within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
The project would see the removal of 25 steel pylons in an effort to improve views in the park.
Based on the evidence provided by SSEN, Ofgem said its initial view is that the project is “economical, efficient, and justified”. It has proposed no reduction in the budget.
The regulator is now seeking views from stakeholders who have until 6 June to submit comments. SSEN is aiming to complete the project by February 2022.
Ofgem has made £500 million available over the current price control period to reduce the visual impact of electricity transmission networks in national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty and national scenic areas.