We all expect to find electricity whenever we want it, just by flicking a switch. As a nation, we use more mains electricity each year and it is National Grid’s job to ensure it is available on demand – by transmitting power from generators around the country to local distributors (such as SP Manweb) who then supply it to homes, schools, offices, factories and other premises.

Electricity for Liverpool and its suburbs is fed into the city via a network of high-voltage underground cables located beneath the street surface.  One of these cable circuits, which were originally installed in the 1960s, was replaced in 2008 and 2009. The new cable was switched on in early 2010, and we are now in a position to remove the old cable. The overall project forms part of National Grid’s ongoing national maintenance programme and represents a major investment in the region’s power network.

National Grid is carrying out work to remove sections of the now redundant 275kV underground cable circuit, which runs between its Kirkby and Lister Drive substations. As the work is being carried out on a cable which has been decommissioned, there will be no effect on electricity supplies. We need to remove sections of this old cable, so that we can remove any environmental dangers posed by leaving it in the ground and leave the land in a good condition.

A safe, secure and reliable power supply is vital for the continued development and growth of the City of Liverpool and the surrounding area. This work will help to ensure National Grid meet its environmental commitments, and represents a significant investment in the high voltage network in the City.

Most of the old cable is buried below the road surface, and we need to excavate several pits along the route so we can remove the points where sections of cable are joined together. We have identified around 20 sites where these excavations will be necessary, and have been in discussion with the highways authorities to carefully plan these works.

The main works will start in February 2011 and continue for approximately 12 months. Work will not be continuous at any one location, as each site will be worked on for between four and six weeks at a time. A detailed traffic management plan has been developed to help minimise disruption and ensure the safety of local residents and road users throughout the project.