Mill Drowndubbs
Project Location:
Mill Drowndubbs
Client Name:
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN)
Project Description:
OCU was appointed to upgrade the electrical infrastructure at Mill Drowndubbs. The scope of works included the installation of new 11kV wood poles, new 11kV overhead switchgear, and the addition of a third wire to accommodate a new three-phase supply for an SSEN customer.
As part of the project, the works were assessed, and an outage plan was created to ensure minimal disruption. The project formed part of a new connection request from an SSEN customer, requiring a three-phase supply and transformer upgrade.
Key Stats:
Full access agreements secured
Site-specific RAMS collated
10-day outage plan approved
10 Days
Duration
Challenge
The initial survey highlighted the need for multiple generators to maintain an uninterrupted supply to existing customers throughout the works.
This requirement meant the originally agreed-upon outage plan was no longer viable and needed a full redesign.
Coordinating safe working conditions around temporary supplies and outage windows introduced additional logistical complexity to the delivery programme.
Solution
A joint site meeting was held with the SAP and SSEN to assess the implications of the added generator demand.
Following technical review, a revised outage strategy was agreed, combining several shorter outages and one extended five-day window.
This solution enabled safe working practices while ensuring supply continuity and minimal impact to end users.
Outcome
All works were successfully delivered within the 10-day approved programme, with no disruption to customer supply.
52 poles were replaced with new 11kV wood poles, significantly reinforcing the overhead line infrastructure.
3.2km of new conductor was installed, enabling a resilient connection.
