Vodafone has been awarded a four-year contract to provide operational telecoms projects and operational network operations management support for SP Energy Networks’ (SPEN), the networks division of ScottishPower, across its electricity transmission and distribution networks in Scotland.
Vodafone will undertake capital project delivery to modernise operational telecoms used by SPEN to operate its electricity network consisting of 19,500 substations, 23,000km of overhead lines and 41,000km of underground cables, which supply energy to two million homes and businesses throughout central and southern Scotland.
The Vodafone projects will help increase network resilience, maintain existing assets and connect more clean power to the grid. In addition, Vodafone will provide fixed, mobile and satellite connectivity, routine maintenance and operational services to help secure and manage SPEN’s electricity network and support the fast and safe correction of faults when they occur.
Paul Garston, SPEN’s head of smart grid operations, said, “We’re delivering the biggest upgrade our grid has ever seen, ensuring our electricity network supports a cleaner and greener future for us all.
“Having the right partners is key to achieving that ambition, so it’s great to welcome Vodafone on board to maintain and modernise our operational telecom infrastructure and ensure it continues to deliver for our customers and communities for years to come.”
Tom Stockwell, head of key accounts, Vodafone UK, said, “We have a strong track-record in helping our energy customers with their digital ambitions and we are delighted that SPEN has selected us as its trusted partner to maintain and modernise its infrastructure.
“It is not only about future-proofing SPEN’s distribution and transmission networks but also using connectivity on The Nation’s Network to bring about new capabilities that benefit everyone – consumers, businesses and our environment. We are looking forward to working with SPEN on this exciting and innovative project.”