Utilities & Infrastructure : Energy News
‘Tinder for renewables’ sees re-energised grid connection open gates for landowners across the UK

‘Tinder for renewables’ sees re-energised grid connection open gates for landowners across the UK

Ofgem’s recently announced reform to accelerate grid connections for new green energy projects is opening up substantial income opportunities for landowners across the UK, says Keir Doe, Managing Director of Renewables Connect, an innovative all-agency platform which ‘matchmakes’ landowners with renewables developers.    The platform, which has been dubbed the ‘Tinder

Read More »
United Living Secures Major Ulverston Pipeline Diversion Project

United Living Secures Major Ulverston Pipeline Diversion Project

United Living Infrastructure Services (ULIS) has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract by gas distributor Cadent to deliver a critical pipeline diversion in Ulverston, Cumbria. The existing Ulverston to Barrow pipeline supplies gas to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. However, due to historical settlement issues and previous leakages, the

Read More »
MOD Raises National Security Concerns Over Aquind Interconnector

MOD Raises National Security Concerns Over Aquind Interconnector

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has flagged “significant national security concerns” over the proposed Aquind interconnector, a privately financed energy project linking the UK and France. The concerns are being addressed through a confidential process led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). What is the Aquind

Read More »
Gas-fired power output falls to 20-year low

Gas-fired power output falls to 20-year low

Soaring levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports saw gas-fired output fall to its lowest level in 20 years in 2024. That was the main headline from a new report on on power generation in the British energy market by Montel Analytics. The study showed that

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 329 : Jun 2025

Utilities & Infrastructure : Energy News

Eclipse Power Networks Adopts Major Grid Connection for Colt Data Centre Services

Eclipse Power Networks Adopts Major Grid Connection for Colt Data Centre Services

Eclipse Power Networks to adopt and maintain mission-critical power infrastructure for new hyperscaler campus Eclipse Power Networks, a leading Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), has secured a significant contract with Colt Data Centre Services to adopt and maintain grid connections totalling 250 megawatts (MW) for its hyperscale data centre campus at Hayes, Middlesex. The agreement follows a competitive tender process that began late 2023 and ran until the end of 2024. Eclipse offered support and guidance to Colt Data Centre Services throughout the process, and is delighted to have been contracted at its conclusion. Under the contract, Eclipse will adopt a 132 kilovolt (kV) dual-circuit connection from National Grid’s Uxbridge Moor substation, near Iver, providing 100MW of power to the campus. In addition, Eclipse will adopt a 66kV dual-circuit connection from National Grid’s North Hyde substation for a further 150MW of power. These two connections are designed to support the campus of five data halls, each individually metered via Eclipse Power Networks’ network at 11kV. The project demonstrates Eclipse Powers’ innovative approach to network infrastructure adoption, working collaboratively with Colt Data Centre Services and their appointed Independent Connection Provider (ICP) to ensure that the network is designed, built, owned and operated as efficiently and economically as possible, while maintaining security of supply through direct connections to the transmission system. David Swadling, Group Sales Director at Eclipse Power said: “This Critical National Infrastructure project showcases our technical expertise, and our ability to develop creative, economically attractive solutions for mission-critical infrastructure. We worked collaboratively and transparently with Colt Data Centre Services to help them develop a complex commercial model that that provided an innovative and equitable economical solution never seen before in Great Britain. “By owning and operating the grid infrastructure on Colt’s behalf, we’re ensuring that they secure reliable power for the facility, while allowing them to focus on their core business of providing sustainable hyperscale data centre solutions.” Eclipse Power Networks’ selection was based on its extra-high voltage (EHV) experience and deep technical understanding of National Grid processes, along with a commitment to working transparently with all stakeholders to optimise the commercial relationship between the parties. David Knox, Global Director of Energy & Sustainability at Colt Data Centre Services, said: “As the UK aims to reach the next level in the global digital marketplace, customers require scale in their data centre solutions. Sustainable, hyperscale sites such as our Hayes campus not only require power supply security, but they must also have the expansion potential necessary to support growth. “As a trusted partner for our worldwide customers, Colt Data Centre Services works only with organisations that share our commitment to mission-critical infrastructure. Eclipse’s innovative and collaborative approach, together with its rich expertise in power networking, has made it the ideal partner for our expansion at the Hayes site.” With data halls across five floors and 175MW of IT power, Colt Data Centre Services’ Hayes campus represents a major investment in data centre infrastructure. Energisation of the site is scheduled for 2028, with the network infrastructure provided by Eclipse Power Networks designed to last a minimum of forty years.  More information about Eclipse Power’s data centre services can be found here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Energy specialist Vital Energi joins London Gatwick’s £250m decarbonisation programme

Energy specialist Vital Energi joins London Gatwick’s £250m decarbonisation programme

London Gatwick has partnered with specialist renewable energy provider Vital Energi to advance its ambitious £250m decarbonisation programme, which will see the airport switch to zero carbon heating and improve energy efficiency. The project will work to help London Gatwick achieve net zero for its own emissions by 2030. The airport will eliminate natural gas reliance and generate its own energy, boosting energy resilience. Vital Energi will support London Gatwick in a five-year contract that will see heat decarbonised in around 50 airport buildings, including the North and South terminals, engineering facilities and office space. Energy specialists Vital Energi, known for delivering innovative decarbonisation solutions at scale, will spearhead the transformation. They will support improving energy efficiency in buildings, deliver zero carbon heat solutions such as heat pumps and heat infrastructure across the airport. Cedric Laurier, Chief Technical Officer, London Gatwick said: “The whole aviation sector must work together to decarbonise our industry by 2050.  At London Gatwick, we are playing our part by committing to decarbonising greenhouse gas emissions under the airport’s control by 2030.  Our vision is to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey, and as we continue to grow, we must do it sustainably. Our work with Vital Energi will play a critical role in this and will mean we are the first major UK airport to generate heat on site. Mike Cooke, Managing Director, Vital Energi said: “Vital Energi is proud to partner with London Gatwick on this landmark decarbonisation programme and we commend its bold approach to decarbonisation and resilience. Our comprehensive expertise in renewable technologies and in-house team of over 100 design engineers will support the airport to achieve its ambitious target of net zero by 2030 by removing gas from across the whole site and installing heat pumps and other decarbonisation measures. “In every Vital Energi project, we build in operational resilience, ensuring there is always a backup to maintain functional continuity.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
‘Tinder for renewables’ sees re-energised grid connection open gates for landowners across the UK

‘Tinder for renewables’ sees re-energised grid connection open gates for landowners across the UK

Ofgem’s recently announced reform to accelerate grid connections for new green energy projects is opening up substantial income opportunities for landowners across the UK, says Keir Doe, Managing Director of Renewables Connect, an innovative all-agency platform which ‘matchmakes’ landowners with renewables developers.    The platform, which has been dubbed the ‘Tinder for Renewables’, was launched last May and is free and no obligation for landowners – whether farmers, country estate owners or local councils – to list on.   “We’ve seen lots of activity on the platform in recent weeks as this reform is creating opportunity for new – and some previously rejected – projects to get connected to the grid quickly,” says Keir, who farms near Errol in Perthshire and has his own land consultancy where he has seen renewables projects from both landowner and developer perspectives.     “There’s been a major backlog preventing new projects connecting to the grid due to the traditional ‘first-come, first-served’ process. Some projects have connection dates of 10+ years. This reform will get rid of speculative ‘zombie’ projects that have been holding up the queue and prioritise new solar farms, wind turbines and battery storage that are ready and strategically placed for the grid. This is a great opportunity for landowners if they have some land that could secure a lucrative rental income from a renewable energy project.”  This, combined with the drive for data centres and hydrogen power, which are powered by renewables, and changes to planning policy, means there is considerable potential for those with land. Projects that have previously been refused or deemed unviable may now be sought after by developers, adds Keir.  “It doesn’t have to be one large area, it could be marginal land on the edge of a farm, estate or a town. These smaller parcels can create a critical mass in one region that can then become an investible project for a renewables developer.”     Renewables Connect currently has more than 9,000 hectares of land listed on its platform, from Shetland to Cornwall. Its interactive digital map allows landowners to list land areas and for developers to view, filter, and assess their suitability for green energy projects including wind, solar or battery storage. Large areas of land are often attractive for developers, but the ‘co-location’ of neighbouring smaller parcels is where Renewables Connect can create matches that may not otherwise be obvious.   “This has been a gamechanger,” explains Keir. “Not every landowner wants a large-scale project on their land, or to take productive arable land out of commission, but this allows for smaller and poorer quality parcels to become greater than the sum of their parts. It’s a win for both parties as it creates good passive income for the less productive land and forges greater potential for renewables projects.”   Following the recent UK Government reports that average farm income has fallen significantly, this is an opportunity to diversify the business or can also help with succession planning, adds Keir:  “Such a drastic drop in income is difficult for any business but this comes at a time when farm businesses are faced with additional cost pressures and tax increases. Rental income from renewable energy development can provide a steady, passive additional income stream. It’s free and quick to list on the Renewables Connect Platform and doesn’t tie you to anything. It may be the most profitable 10 minutes of a landowner’s year.”   One of the biggest potential renewables growth areas is onshore wind, says Keir:  “The demand for this and solar will also grow with the plans for data centres, large buildings which store and process data, and the investment in hydrogen technology, both of which need substantial renewable power sources.”  In Scotland, where changes in the National Planning Framework 4 eased restrictions on the visual impact of renewables, previously refused wind farms may now be able to secure planning consent.   Renewables Connect is also having positive discussions with local authorities:  “We’re seeing increasing interest from councils who see the benefits of listing land to help generate income, reduce dependency on central budgets and deliver community benefit. Equally, projects like the recently approved community wind initiative on Arran are proving what’s possible and it’s something we could see replicated in other areas across the UK.”  The grid reform is part of the UK’s ambition to decarbonise the national power supply by 2030, with the first wave of post-reform projects expected to be up and running in early 2026.    “The UK will not meet its 2030 net-zero targets without a massive acceleration in renewable project delivery,” says Keir. “This starts with land and as a landowner, if you are keen you need to be actively promoting your land to let renewables developers know you are interested. This can be daunting, expensive and difficult to know where to start. That’s why we built Renewables Connect, to be a transparent, one-stop shop, free for landowners or their land agents to promote their sites and easy for developers to identify new opportunities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Drax and Power Minerals Join Forces to Cut Carbon in Construction

Drax and Power Minerals Join Forces to Cut Carbon in Construction

Drax Power has announced a major partnership with Power Minerals Limited (PML) to process pulverised fuel ash (PFA) for use in cement, in a move set to reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry. Under a newly agreed 20-year joint venture, PML will develop and operate a facility near the Drax Power Station in Selby, on land leased from Drax. The facility, expected to be operational by the end of 2026, will process PFA into a supplementary cementitious material (SCM), with a projected annual output of 400,000 tonnes once fully operational. Power Minerals, owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský—who recently acquired Royal Mail—will construct, own, and run the facility. Drax will supply PFA to the joint venture, as well as provide power and water to support operations. Lee Dawes, Chief Operations Officer at Drax, hailed the agreement as a landmark deal for both the energy and construction sectors. “Cement production is one of the most carbon-intensive industries globally, and through this partnership, we can help cut emissions in UK construction. Drax Power Station has long been vital to the UK’s energy security, and now it will also play a key role in reducing carbon emissions in construction.” Drax sees this joint venture as an opportunity to unlock additional value from its site while supporting the transition to low-carbon building materials. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
United Living Secures Major Ulverston Pipeline Diversion Project

United Living Secures Major Ulverston Pipeline Diversion Project

United Living Infrastructure Services (ULIS) has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract by gas distributor Cadent to deliver a critical pipeline diversion in Ulverston, Cumbria. The existing Ulverston to Barrow pipeline supplies gas to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. However, due to historical settlement issues and previous leakages, the pipeline must be rerouted away from the canal embankment to a safer location in an adjacent field. ULIS will install an 850-metre diversion using heavy-wall 12-inch steel pipe, running parallel to the existing pipeline but outside the embankment zone. The project also includes the construction of a 75-metre micro-tunnel beneath Ulverston Canal, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding area. With the site bordering Morecambe Bay—a designated Ramsar, Special Protection Area (SPA), and Special Area of Conservation (SAC)—ULIS will work closely with ecologists, scheduling site visits to protect the local environment before any sensitive works begin. Once the new pipeline is fully operational, the existing pipeline will be safely decommissioned, enhancing safety, reliability, and environmental protection for the region’s gas network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
MOD Raises National Security Concerns Over Aquind Interconnector

MOD Raises National Security Concerns Over Aquind Interconnector

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has flagged “significant national security concerns” over the proposed Aquind interconnector, a privately financed energy project linking the UK and France. The concerns are being addressed through a confidential process led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). What is the Aquind Interconnector? The Aquind Interconnector is a planned high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable running between Normandy in France and Lovedean substation near Portsmouth, Hampshire. The 2,000MW project, backed by Aquind Ltd, aims to supply up to 5% of Britain’s electricity needs. However, nearly six years after applying for a development consent order (DCO) in 2019, approval remains pending. In April 2024, the MOD raised security concerns, leading to a six-week extension of the planning process. The General Election further delayed a decision, and the project is now under review as ministers work through classified discussions to assess potential risks. Government’s Confidential Review Process A letter sent by DESNZ in July 2024, shortly after the new government took office, outlined steps to address the MOD’s security concerns. The document, made public on the Planning Inspectorate’s infrastructure website, confirmed that an independent representative with top-level security clearance would be appointed to review the MOD’s classified concerns on behalf of Aquind. Government guidelines indicate that “developed vetting” security clearance is required for individuals with frequent access to top-secret materials. The MOD has the right to make representations on the appointed person’s suitability. Once in place, the representative will be invited to Whitehall to review the MOD’s concerns and provide a written response on Aquind’s behalf. A follow-up letter in September 2024 confirmed that the selection process for this representative was ongoing, with the Attorney General’s Office working alongside DESNZ to finalise the appointment. An Aquind spokesperson has since confirmed that a representative has now been appointed and that the process of reviewing and responding to the MOD’s concerns is underway. Meanwhile, a government spokesperson stated: “The re-determination process remains ongoing, and submissions have been provided by the Ministry of Defence as part of that work.” Local MPs Voice Security Concerns The project has sparked political debate, with three local MPs recently meeting a defence minister to express their concerns over the interconnector’s potential security risks. Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan, Fareham and Waterlooville MP Suella Braverman, and Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin met with MOD parliamentary under-secretary Luke Pollard to discuss the issue. Braverman, a former home secretary, voiced particular concern over the involvement of Russian-backed entities in the project. She warned: “I am very worried about the prospect of Russian-backed underground cables being constructed in the heart of our naval base in Portsmouth. It will have a serious impact on the UK’s defence.” Aquind’s Legal Threats Against the Government The project’s legal disputes have also escalated. Recent disclosures revealed that Aquind Ltd, through its legal representatives at Herbert Smith Freehills, has threatened DESNZ with legal action over delays to its DCO application. Aquind has also accused the MOD of “abusing the issue of national security” and made several other allegations in a formal letter. With national security at the centre of the debate, the final decision on the Aquind Interconnector remains uncertain, as the government continues to weigh the project’s energy benefits against its potential risks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Gas-fired power output falls to 20-year low

Gas-fired power output falls to 20-year low

Soaring levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports saw gas-fired output fall to its lowest level in 20 years in 2024. That was the main headline from a new report on on power generation in the British energy market by Montel Analytics. The study showed that GB gas-fired output totalled 72.6TWh in 2024 – down on the 86.8TWh recorded the previous year – and a significant drop on the 111.4TWh generated in 2022. The decrease in demand for gas was attributed to a rise in renewables output, which totalled 118.1TWh in 2024 – up on the 116.9TWh recorded in 2023. On average, renewable generation (including biomass) increased by 0.14GW to reach 13.5GW, which meant renewables contributed 45% to the overall GB power generation mix.  Wind generation was the major contributor to renewable output with a 70% share. Based on historic data, average wind generation also reached a record high of 9.43GW, which was 0.39GW higher than the previous year. This record would have been even higher if wind generation had not needed to be curtailed due to constraints in the capacity of the transmission system during periods of high wind generation.  Electricity imports were also a key reason for the record low gas-fired output. GB interconnectors saw average net imports of 3.8GW last year, a 40% increase compared to 2023 and the highest level on record in the last ten years. The top two major contributors to this total were France (2.2GW), and Norway (1.1GW). Gas prices began last year by declining through January and February, continuing a downward trajectory seen during Q4 2023, before generally following an upward trend throughout the remainder of the year. The subsequent uptick in prices was influenced by several factors, including intermittent production outages in Norway, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, supply disruptions to Ukraine due to the ongoing war with Russia, and occasional cold spells during winter. Despite these increases, the average gas price for the year fell by 16% from 2023 levels to £28.63/MWh. In a similar fashion, the profile of wholesale day-ahead electricity prices followed that of gas prices but dropped to a greater extent due to the increase in renewable output, falling by 23% year-on-year to an average of £72.58/MWh. The rise of renewables led to 139 hours of negative prices in GB – the highest level since 2019 when negative prices were first observed. The 2024 figure is significantly higher than the 86 hours recorded in 2023 and the 91 hours observed in 2020, when low demand during Covid lockdowns was a significant contributory factor.  Phil Hewitt, Director at Montel Analytics said: “Last year gas prices were lower on average than in 2023, despite rising again from March onwards. These increases were recorded despite reduced demand for gas-fired generation, with total output at its lowest level for at least 20 years as a result of very high levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports through the interconnectors, particularly from France and Norway. Renewable output would have been higher because almost 10% of potential wind output could not be used because of transmission system constraints. Meanwhile, the importance of electricity transfer though the interconnectors has been accentuated following Ofgem’s recent approval of five major new undersea energy links, which will further strengthen connections between Britain and Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland”. “The initial decline in gas prices was driven by elevated wind generation as a consequence of storms Isha and Jocelyn in the early part of 2024, although prices generally rose during the rest of the year. At this time of year, gas price spikes are not uncommon as additional gas reserves are often needed to meet higher-than-usual demand during periods of cold, calm weather. The recent cold snap sparked a media frenzy recently when British Gas owner Centrica announced that the UK had less than a week of gas reserves in store although National Gas, which owns the UK gas network, has insisted that storage levels remain healthy.” The Montel study also highlighted the demise of coal in Britain after 142 years, with the last coal station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar closing at the end of September. The report also showed that nuclear power generation dropped to a record low of 38.2TWh, largely due to outages and delayed restarts which reduced the output of most units in the nuclear fleet Renewables were the dominant contributor to Britain’s fuel mix in 2024, accounting for 44.8% of the total. Gas-fired generation accounted for 27.5%, with nuclear (14.5%), imports (12.6%) and coal (0.6%) accounting for the rest. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Balfour Beatty awarded contract to unlock renewable energy capacity between Scotland and England

Balfour Beatty awarded contract to unlock renewable energy capacity between Scotland and England

Balfour Beatty today announces it has been awarded a contract by Prysmian to install 68 kilometres of high voltage direct current (HVDC) land cables from Fraisthorpe Sands to Drax in Yorkshire, England, as well as an additional 1 kilometre of HVDC land cable at Peterhead, in Scotland. The contract forms part of the 2GW high voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical ‘superhighway’ cable link, 525kV, to be built between Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and Drax in North Yorkshire, England. The Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project is being jointly developed by SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission. Prysmian was awarded a contract worth in the region of €1.9 billion (£1.6 billion) by EGL2 Limited earlier this year, to design, manufacture, install, test and commission the required HVDC cable system which includes 436 kilometres of HVDC submarine cables. Balfour Beatty is delivering approximately 15% of the route on behalf of Prysmian, building on the company’s appointment by National Grid in June 2024, to replace and upgrade approximately 25 kilometres of new overhead lines in North Yorkshire, which will increase the capacity to connect the EGL2 project. The cables will be installed underground, to reduce the visual impact of the scheme and ensure that the landscape across East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and at Peterhead remains unhindered for the local community and visitors alike. The cables will connect to new converter stations located at either end of the cable, which will convert the clean, renewable wind energy that has been generated offshore and take it to homes and businesses in centres of demand across Great Britain. Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission and Distribution business said: “With a proven track record of working on complex cabling projects, this contract further demonstrates our leading role in delivering the vital infrastructure needed to reinforce the energy sector. “Our experience and deep domain knowledge positions us perfectly to complete these latest works for the project which will power around two million homes and businesses, supporting the UK’s transition to clean energy.” Balfour Beatty’s selection further bolsters its portfolio of nationally critical power transmission and distribution projects including the company’s recent appointment to deliver the £363 million Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement scheme. Main works are expected to commence in early 2025, with completion scheduled for 2029. At construction peak, the project is expected to employ 140 people including graduate and apprenticeship positions as part of Balfour Beatty’s commitment to The 5% Club. Balfour Beatty has unrivalled end-to-end capability in the UK energy market. Find out more here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Electricity networks issue safety advice ahead of Storm Darragh

Electricity networks issue safety advice ahead of Storm Darragh

Storm Darragh has been named and is set to bring severe winds to large parts of the UK this weekend. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and rain, as well as an amber warning for strong winds on Saturday. The networks have stepped up their level of preparedness. Customers in affected areas should follow the Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) Prepare-Care-Share advice. Mark Dunk, Head of Engineering at Energy Networks Association said: “With yellow and amber warnings in force for Storm Darragh, our advice to customers is to prepare, care and share. Prepare by going online to PowerCut105.com for advice and call 105 for free if you have a power cut. Check in with people who might need extra help, and share this information so friends and family know what to do too. “If you see damaged power lines or lines brought down over the coming days, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it, or dial 999 if there’s an immediate danger to life.” How you can prepare for Storm Darragh The energy networks’ Prepare-Care-Share advice for severe weather can make a significant difference in staying safe and as comfortable as possible during power cuts. Prepare Care Share Inform others: Help spread these tips to ensure everyone in your community knows how to prepare for a power cut. Share our national website, PowerCut105.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
SP Energy Networks and ‘The Digger Girl’ join forces to promote industry safety

SP Energy Networks and ‘The Digger Girl’ join forces to promote industry safety

Electricity network operator, SP Energy Networks has joined forces with Scotland-based digger driver, mum of two and social media sensation Amy Underwood – AKA ‘The Digger Girl ®’ – to share crucial safety tips on avoiding electrical hazards when operating machinery. Their collaboration follows a rise in incidents involving underground cable strikes across the UK, which have resulted in 12 injuries and fatalities over the past year. With the potential for underground cable strikes to result in power outages, property damage or even severe injury or death, the safety messages produced with ‘The Digger Girl’ Amy are designed to ensure people know what to look out for and what to do to keep themselves and others safe when working near the electricity network. The Digger Girl – with more than 800,000 followers across her social media channels – is famous for her creative and engaging content, industry expertise and down to earth information and advice about life as a female working in the construction industry. Previously named as one of the UK’s top 100 women in construction by the National Federation of Builders, she’s now using her popular platforms to share SP Energy Networks’ top tips for staying safe when working near underground cables and overhead lines. Amy said: “As operators working in the construction industry, safety is the first thing we should all be thinking about when using machinery. When you add in the potential risks of using that equipment around underground cables or overhead powerlines, it’s even more important – we all deserve to go home at the end of the working day. “That’s why this content with SP Energy Networks is so important for people to see, and I’m proud to be part of these efforts to support a safer work site for operators like me. If I had one bit of advice, it would be to make sure you follow these easy safety tips at all times when on site – they really could save your life!” Amy’s top tips for staying safe near underground cables and overhead power lines are: Derek Bell, Health and Safety Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “It’s fantastic to have ‘The Digger Girl’ on board to help share SP Energy Networks’ vital messages about recognising potential electrical hazards and how to stay safe while working near the electricity network. We know that many people working in the construction industry will routinely follow this advice, but evidence shows that’s not always the case and one injury – or worse – is one too many when there are lots of ways to keep ourselves safe. “I’ve no doubt Amy’s reputation as a trusted and respected voice in the industry combined with her brilliant storytelling style will ensure we reach as many people as possible – it really is the perfect way to help boost industry safety.” For further information and details on SP Energy Networks construction safety advice, please visit www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/safety. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »