National Grid has postponed work to replace underground cable routes between Pitsmoor, Wincobank and Templeborough substations until further notice.
Project update: February 2026
We have postponed our work on the Sheffield Cable Replacement project and will be exploring alternative options for replacing the existing underground electricity cables.
The project included plans to disconnect and decommission three existing underground cable routes:
1. Pitsmoor substation to Wincobank substation
2. Wincobank substation to Templeborough substation
3. Pitsmoor substation to Templeborough substation
These routes would have been replaced by two new cable routes:
1. Templeborough substation to Wincobank substation
2. Wincobank substation to Pitsmoor substation
Over the past 18 months, we have carried out extensive surveys along the planned cable route, as part of our work to upgrade Sheffield’s electricity supply.
The results of our surveys show there is a significant volume of utility assets below the highway along the proposed route. The level of underground congestion means that we cannot safely install new cables. This is why we have decided to postpone the project while we explore alternative solutions.
Although the existing cables are nearing the end of their lifecycle, they continue to provide a safe and secure electricity supply to Sheffield. They will also be inspected regularly.
We recognise and appreciate the support and patience shown by residents, businesses and stakeholders during our survey works. We will continue to keep the community informed as our plans develop.
Next steps
Our teams will be investigating and reviewing alternative options for replacing the cables. While we cannot confirm when the new proposals will be available to share, we are committed to keeping the local community updated as our revised plans progress.
We are working closely with Sheffield City Council to ensure our next steps align with the city’s priorities and wider plans for growth and development. We also want to reassure local businesses that there are no immediate impacts, and we will continue to keep you informed and engaged as our plans progress.
There will also be a significant investment in Sheffield’s electricity infrastructure over the next decade. This is part of our wider programme to upgrade and futureproof Sheffield’s electricity transmission network.
Contact us
If you have any questions or enquiries about this project, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Phone: 0808 175 0206
Email: [email protected]
Freepost: Freepost National Grid SHF Cables
Frequently asked questions
Answers to questions we're often asked about the Sheffield cable replacement project.
Compulsory Purchase Order
To support the delivery of the Sheffield Cable Replacement project, National Grid acquired all necessary land and rights via a Compulsory Purchase Order. The project has now been postponed, and the existing Compulsory Purchase Order (“CPO”) powers are time limited and will run their course until a replacement scheme is announced.
Documents relating to the CPO and other land rights secured for the project can be found further below in the document archive.
On 24 November 2023, National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (“National Grid”) made The National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (Pitsmoor Wincobank Templeborough 275kV Cable Replacement Scheme) Compulsory Purchase Order 2023 (“the CPO”). The CPO was intended to enable National Grid to compulsorily acquire the land and rights necessary to construct and operate infrastructure between National Grid’s existing substations at Pitsmoor, Wincobank and Templeborough, as well as decommissioning existing cables.
National Grid has engaged with affected landowners and occupiers regarding the rights required and the proposals for the works. While the project is now postponed, National Grid will continue working collaboratively with all known affected parties until a replacement scheme is found.
A copy of the notice confirming the granting of the CPO was served on all those with an interest in the land included in the CPO. It was also published in local newspapers and erected at locations across the land included within the CPO boundary.
A copy of the CPO, the maps identifying the land included, the Statement of Reasons and Press Notice remain available. Any objections to the granting of the CPO were required by 5 January 2024 in accordance with the details set out in the Press Notice.
If you require more information about the CPO, please get in touch using the contact details below:
Phone: 0808 175 0206
Post: Freepost National Grid SHF Cables
Email: [email protected]
Further information on the compulsory purchase process can be found in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Guidance on Compulsory Purchase Process and The Crichel Down Rules (July 2019), available to view and download on GOV.UK.
CPO documents