Vodafone is to future-proof SP Energy Networks’ operational telecoms network in Scotland.

SP Energy Networks (SPEN) is a distribution and transmission network operator owned by Scottish Power, responsible for delivering electricity to homes and businesses in central and southern Scotland, as well as other UK locations.

Vodafone has been awarded a four-year contract to provide operational telecoms projects and network operations management support for SPEN across its electricity transmission and distribution networks in Scotland.

Vodafone will undertake capital project delivery to modernise operational telecoms used by SPEN to operate its electricity network. Consisting of 19,500 substations, 23,000km of overhead lines and 41,000km of underground cables, this will help keep electricity flowing to two million homes and businesses throughout central and southern Scotland. The project will also help increase network resilience, maintain existing assets and connect more clean power to the grid.

In addition, Vodafone will provide fixed, mobile and satellite connectivity, routine maintenance and operational services to help secure and manage SPEN’s electricity network, while supporting the fast and safe correction of faults when they occur.

“We’re delivering the biggest upgrade our grid has ever seen, ensuring our electricity network supports a cleaner and greener future for us all,” said Paul Garston, SPEN’s head of smart grid operations. “Having the right partners is key to achieving that ambition, so it’s great to welcome Vodafone on board to maintain and modernise our operational telecom infrastructure and ensure it continues to deliver for our customers and communities for years to come.”

Tom Stockwell, head of key accounts at Vodafone (www.vodafone.co.uk), added: “We have a strong track record in helping our energy customers with their digital ambitions, and we are delighted that SPEN has selected us as its trusted partner to maintain and modernise its infrastructure. It is not only about future-proofing SPEN’s distribution and transmission networks, but also about using connectivity on the nation’s network to develop new capabilities that benefit everyone – consumers, businesses and our environment. We are looking forward to working with SPEN on this exciting and innovative project.”

SPEN (www.spenergynetworks.co.uk) is a distribution and transmission network operator. Its network of over 110,000km of power cables and 30,000 substations keeps the electricity flowing to 3.5 million homes and businesses throughout central and southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire, north and mid-Wales, and north Shropshire. It is the networks division of Scottish Power, part of the Iberdrola Group.