Community win as SSEN Transmission announce consultation period extension for power line route

Objectors to the route started a campaign to have more time to consider the route.

By Louise Glen

March 28 2023, 10:01 pm

The campaign group Community B4 Power Companies was set up to fight power line plans. Lyndsey Ward is on the far right. Image Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

SSEN transmission has extended its consultation period over a controversial 400kV overhead electricity transmission line.

The line between Spittal in Caithness, Loch Buidhe and Beauly, includes new substations at each of these locations. has been much debated in the community – who asked for more time to look at the plans.

SSEN has extended the deadline for responses until Friday April 14, and says it will publish a FAQs for those who have raised issues about the route through much of the north of Scotland.

Potential route options

The company said it hoped this will allow all stakeholders with an interest in the project sufficient time to provide feedback.

A SSEN Transmission spokeswoman said: “The Spittal-Loch Buidhe-Beauly 400kV project is part of a UK-wide programme of works that are required to meet UK and Scottish Government 2030 renewable targets, including unlocking the first phase of the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round. ”

She said the proposals, part of a £7billion project, due to be completed in seven years, would secure future energy independence by removing dependence on, and price exposure to, volatile global wholesale gas markets.

SSEN is consulting on power lines routes. Image: DC Thomson.

She continued: “We are currently seeking feedback on potential route options within approximately half-a-mile areas and preferred substation locations, with this feedback helping inform more detailed overhead line route options and our proposed substation site selections, which we will further consult on later this year.”

Adding: “We would like to thank everyone who has shared their feedback so far, which will be carefully considered as we further refine our plans.”

Many people in the community have felt the route, and the proposals, have not been discussed with the local community and set up a Facebook page Communities B4 Power Companies to gather support.

Campaigners say they may take legal action against the project.