Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) says it has invested £3 million into helping its network “self-restore” following faults in the system.
The distribution network operator’s (DNO) automated power restoration system (APRS) detects when and where there is a fault on the network and resolves the issue by either choosing the most suitable alternative cable to supply or alerts engineers in a control room who can restore power “at the touch of a button”.
SSEN says this process generally takes less than three minutes meaning many customers are unaware of the temporary interruption to their supply.
The company added that the technology “dramatically” reduces the duration of unplanned power cuts and means engineers can investigate the fault faster and resolve any issues while power is still being supplied.
Over the next year the DNO plans to deliver a further £7.4 million investment on the automation system.
Julian Paddock, senior project manager for the scheme, said: “Our engineers at SSEN work every day of the year to safely maintain, upgrade and build the electricity network that powers our customers’ day.
“Along with existing tried and tested methods, SSEN is increasingly investing in innovative technologies, such as automation, to improve the resilience of supplies and speed up restoration of our customers.
“We will continue to evaluate the network to find further opportunities for automation (APRS) as part of SSEN’s ongoing commitment to its customers in providing them with a highly efficient and resilient power supply.”