Executive Summary

• UK Power Networks has proactively replaced the historic 132,000 volt circuits between two of south west London’s most significant substations with environmentally friendly, cross-linked polyethylene cables at a more than £12 million investment
• The first circuit, forming an eight kilometre route between Wimbledon and Wandsworth, is already energised with the second planned to go live in summer 2026
• The move will improve network reliability and resilience, reduce environmental risks, and lower maintenance costs, according to project manager Hannah Harris

Two of south west London’s most significant substations will be reinforced through a £12 million cable network upgrade.

Two circuits will form an eight kilometre route between Wimbledon and Wandsworth to bolster energy supplies for more than 57,000 residents and businesses in the area, with the first circuit already energised and the second going live in summer 2026.

UK Power Networks have proactively replaced the historic 132,000 volt circuits with environmentally friendly, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables, with an investment of more than £12 million.

The new infrastructure will support network resilience and remove the risk of supply interruption to customers or extended customer outages.

In the past year, the electricity firm has invested more than £983 million in reinforcing and upgrading its infrastructure to ensure customers can keep the lights on.

With the London Power Network maintaining a 99.99% reliability rate, it remains one of the most consistent electricity networks in the country – and the world.

Project manager, Hannah Harris, said: “This project is delivering significant benefits for UK Power Networks and our customers. By installing new environmentally friendly XLPE cables between Wimbledon and Wandsworth, we are improving network reliability and resilience, reducing environmental risks, and lowering maintenance costs.

“The completion of these works will help ensure a safer, stronger network and better service for over 57,000 customers.”