A project enhancing the reliability of Carlisle’s underground power network is entering its final stages.  

Engineers from Electricity North West started work on the Bridge Street scheme back in April and have made sound progress having already diverted close to 1km of underground electricity cables.  

The region’s power network operator is making a £1m investment in the city’s underground infrastructure which will improve reliability and in the longer-term attract new business and investment.  

Once complete, it is expected more than 5,000 homes and businesses are expected to benefit from the new electricity supply.   

Charlotte Pearson, who is overseeing the project in Carlisle for Electricity North West, said: “We’ve made tremendous progress on the project as we now enter the final stages.  

“Conditions haven’t always been easy as we’ve found a lot of rock and other debris when digging in the road but fortunately, that hasn’t halted the work we’ve carried out.  

“Our investment is significant, upgrading the infrastructure will not only attract new businesses and investment but firms will be able to adopt low carbon technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles.” 

While work has been taking place, Carlisle MP Julie Minns visited site to see teams install duct and learn more about the work taking place. 

“It was really interesting to learn more about the work taking place in the city, which in the long-term will protect homes, support businesses and keep the power flowing,” said Julie.  

“Growth is what we want to see in Carlisle and the proactive investment will mean businesses can come to the city and hit the ground running with a reliable supply of electricity.”