Andrew Percy MP

Andrew Percy MP

Member of Parliament for Brigg & Goole and the Isle of Axholme

Andrew Visits Haxey Primary Substation to Discuss Northern Powergrid’s Upgrade Scheme

Andrew recently met with Northern Powergrid during a visit to Haxey primary substation to discuss their £8.2 million investment programme there. 

The investment work, which began at the end of February and runs until summer 2023, will see the company upgrading its substations at both Haxey and Epworth, as well as installing 6.6km of underground electricity cables between the two. Andrew was informed that this will provide the additional network capacity required to serve the area as the population grows and people become more reliant on electricity for work, travel and to heat their homes and the UK works towards its target of achieving net zero by 2050.

Meeting with Northern Powergrid’s Senior Project Manager, Steve Crawford, Regional Customer Service Manager, Andrew Preece and Craft Apprentice, Matthew Young, who informed Andrew that:

• The investment was made possible after Northern Powergrid successfully secured £53 million through a national Green Recovery Scheme 

• As well as ensuring the area is ready to take full advantage of low carbon technologies and greener energy solutions, upgrading the network will also increase the reliability and resilience of the local power supply

• Northern Powergrid is looking to work with local education establishments to raise awareness of its campaign to recruit 1,000 new employees into apprenticeships, foundation degree programmes and graduate/technical training schemes over the next six years, providing exciting opportunities for individuals to earn very competitive salaries while they learn

Commenting, Andrew said, "It was great to meet Northern Powergrid and hear about this upgrade. I was especially interested to hear how this multi-million pound government supported upgrade will future proof the local electricity network to allow for an expansion of green technologies such as more and more electric vehicles. 

"Whilst the road works involved might have caused some inconvenience, the alternative to these underground cables would have been more overhead lines. I was also interested to hear about the work Northern Powergrid are doing to support apprenticeships and their work with schools."

Steve Crawford said: “The UK’s energy landscape is changing rapidly and electricity network operators are key to enabling net zero and delivering greener, future energy systems for our customers. Our local investment puts Epworth, Haxey and the wider Isle of Axholme region at a real advantage.”

Andrew Preece said: “As networks become smarter and more digitalised, as is happening in Epworth and Haxey, investing in developing the network experts of the future is vital. We offer a fantastic range of apprenticeships and encourage anyone interested to follow us on social media to make sure they are the first to know about new opportunities.”

Matthew Young added: “If you enjoy working outdoor, an apprenticeship at Northern Powergrid is both challenging and rewarding, with a great combination of formal training and support from colleagues.”

People can also find out more about careers at Northern Powergrid by visiting northernpowergrid.com/careers or following the company on facebook @northernpowergrid and twitter @northpowergrid.


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