A power upgrade in Biddenden, Kent, is reportedly improving electricity network reliability for more than 1,500 households, while supporting local businesses including Biddenden Vineyards.
Distribution network operator UK Power Networks has invested £70,000 in the project, installing new overhead line equipment and replacing a transformer to increase resilience and double local capacity.
Transformers reduce voltage to ensure electricity can be safely supplied to homes and businesses. The replacement work was carried out by specialist live line engineers, allowing the upgrade to take place without interrupting power supplies.
High-voltage switches have also been installed to support faster restoration during outages.
The network improvements were delivered alongside a connection upgrade for Biddenden Vineyards. Engineers installed 170 metres of underground cable to support new machinery, and removed sections of overhead line and poles.
Supporting rural businesses and network resilience
The upgrade is intended to support both current demand and future growth in the local area, particularly for businesses requiring increased power capacity.
Tom Barnes, General Manager at Biddenden Vineyards, says, “We are future proofing our business for the next 20 years, making sure we can keep up and grow the way we need to. The supply we had coming into the site was no longer enough for what we wanted to do.
“From a small business to a large corporate business, you would think it would be difficult to get to the right people, but it’s been the complete opposite. It has been a smooth process.
“We wanted the transformer changed when the ground was dry in the autumn and we needed the remaining work to happen in the winter, when it’s less busy.
“UK Power Networks accommodated our workflow and upgraded the network for people that live and work in the rural economy. I’m not just saying it; the whole team has been brilliant.”
Gareth Emptage, Field Engineer at UK Power Networks, notes, “It’s great to see local businesses flourishing and expanding, and a key part of that is for them to consider their need for extra power in future.
“As part of the work, we have also been able to strengthen the resilience of the electricity network for hundreds of homes and businesses for years to come, while enabling an established rural business to develop and thrive.”
Further work is planned, including the installation of additional equipment at a local substation to support faster power restoration in the event of outages.
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