SSEN Announces Ambitious £200M Grid Overhaul to Power Oxfordshire’s Future

Image Credit: SSEN

A massive £200 million investment is set to revolutionise Oxfordshire’s electricity network, ensuring it remains robust, resilient, and ready for the future. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is spearheading this ambitious programme to fortify the county’s power infrastructure while paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.

Set to commence later this spring, the project isn’t just about upgrades—it’s about transformation. Oxfordshire’s growing demand for electricity requires a network that can sustain homes, businesses, and public services today and adapt to the evolving needs of a low-carbon future.

SSEN’s extensive work will span key areas, including Oxford City, Headington, and Yarnton, reinforcing the grid to meet present and future energy demands. The timeline? Most of the enhancements are slated for completion by the end of the decade.

Beyond expanding capacity, this investment serves a greater purpose—supporting the UK’s broader transition to clean energy and decarbonisation. By enhancing security, resilience, and efficiency, the project will empower homes and businesses to adopt greener technologies confidently, ultimately driving economic growth and sustainability in the region.

Carl Pates, SSEN's Oxfordshire project director, said: "As our customers move away from fossil fuels and look to renewable electricity to power and heat their homes, cars, technology, and workplaces, we need to make sure the electricity system has the capacity and resilience to support these ambitions.

"Through this £200 million investment, we'll support these national, regional, and local growth ambitions and ensure that the power our customers need now and in the future is in the right place at the right time.

“This project will have a positive impact on the local area, and it will be carried out considerately, so the works themselves have as little impact as possible on neighbouring communities."

Councillor Dr Pete Sudbury, deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council responsible for climate change, environment, and future generations, added: "I'm delighted with this vital and substantial investment by SSEN in our electricity infrastructure.

"It will bring jobs, opportunities, and an even more resilient power supply to the local area, enabling so many more homes and businesses to take up low carbon technologies, using energy more efficiently, costing less to run, and cutting pollution.

"This enhanced electricity network will help end the problems connecting new housing to the grid and support the increasing use of electric vehicles, solar panels, and heat pumps.

"It will improve energy security and help protect us from the impacts of extreme weather.

"It will also add to Oxfordshire’s reputation as a forward-thinking county, keen to lead the way with new technologies and developing more science, technology, engineering, and maths careers for the next generation."