THE electricity operator for central southern England is urging the public to nominate overhead power lines – running across officially designated beauty spots – that they would like to see go underground.

Southern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD) is launching the £9.6m project that will give the public, local authorities and charities the opportunity to nominate sections of overhead lines that are normally carried on wooden poles in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

With the help of its customers in its operating region of central southern England, SEPD wants to identify 42km of overhead lines only in recognised areas of natural beauty spots that could be buried, and improve the natural environment.

SEPD will work with planning offices to help it compare and prioritise the nominated sections. The cost to underground the overhead sections can vary due to the voltage, length of circuit and geography, and these will be considered when selecting the final areas.

Kirstine Wood, Stakeholder Engagement Manager with SEPD, who is working on the project said: “This is a great opportunity for the public to help us decide which overhead lines and wooden poles should be replaced by underground cables, and to help enhance the visual appeal of national parks and areas of natural beauty. Overhead power lines play a key part in ensuring a safe, reliable and cost effective electricity network, but we also realise that some people feel they can have a detrimental impact on the views of the natural environment. That’s why we are launching this programme.

“Undergrounding overhead lines is expensive and can often cause more damage to the environment than wooden poles or towers, so we will carefully consider each nominated area, working closely with other utilities, landowners and public bodies to plan and identify the best areas where we can do the work.”

To nominate an area, people need to complete a form on SEPD’s website at ssepd.co.uk. Submissions will require a photograph of the suggested area to show the current aesthetic impact the overhead line is causing.

Kirstine added: “We encourage anyone who would like an eligible area to be considered to fill in the form. We cannot guarantee all nominations will be selected but we will consider every submission and we will explain our decisions.”

For more information on the scheme visit ssepd.co.uk/undergrounding