03 August 2010
EDF Energy Networks is reinforcing the electricity supply in the Betchworth area.
The company will be installing 1.3 kilometres of new underground cable which will reinforce local electricity distribution and provide for future growth and development.
The power supply upgrade will see the excavation of a trench to install cable ducts in the B2023 Pebblehill Road, Betchworth, which will mean a north-bound closure from 500m north of The Coombe to Headley Common Road (B2033). Our contractors will undertake the work in short sections of trench, where possible, in order to minimise disruption.
The southbound carriageway will remain open during these works, which are expected to last four weeks from August 23. Access will be available to all residents and also to the railway station as well as local business premises. However, a few residents will only have southbound access. These works should not affect electricity supplies.
Patrick Clarke, EDF Energy Networks’ Director of Connections, said: “This project is an important upgrade to the energy infrastructure in the Betchworth area for EDF Energy Networks. We hope people will understand the need for this work to be undertaken and would like to assure them it will be carried out with the utmost consideration for the community and local environment.”
The company and its contractor, Murphy Ltd, will be making every effort to carry out this work in a manner which minimises any impact on residents, businesses, motorists and pedestrians. They have worked closely with the local authorities to ensure the minimum impact on local traffic.
Residents and business in the immediate area have already been written to, explaining the work and its effects.
Ends
For further information, contact James Barber in the EDF Energy press office on 01293 509147.
Notes to Editors
EDF Energy
EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest energy companies, producing around a fifth of the nation’s electricity from its nuclear, coal and gas power stations, as well as combined heat and power plants and wind farms. The company provides power to a quarter of the UK’s population via its electricity distribution networks and supplies gas and electricity to more than 5.5 million business and residential customers. It is the number one supplier of electricity to major business in the UK.
EDF Energy’s safe and secure operation of its eight existing nuclear power stations at sites across the country makes it the UK’s largest generator of low carbon electricity. EDF Energy is also leading the UK's nuclear renaissance and has published plans to build four new nuclear reactors, subject to the right investment framework. These new plants would generate enough low carbon electricity for about 40% of Britain’s homes. They would make an important contribution to the UK’s future needs for clean, secure and affordable energy. The project is already creating business and job opportunities for British companies and workers.
Through Our Climate and Social Commitments EDF Energy has launched the biggest environmental and social programme of any UK energy company. EDF is the official energy utilities partner and sustainability partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company is also helping its customers and others use energy more sustainably through products and initiatives such as Read, Reduce, Reward and Team Green Britain.
EDF Energy is part of EDF Group, one of Europe’s largest power companies. Following the integration with British Energy in 2009, the company employs nearly 20,000 people at locations across the UK.