SP Energy Networks (SPEN) is a distribution and transmission network operator owned by ScottishPower, responsible for delivering electricity to homes and businesses in central and southern Scotland, as well as other UK locations.
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, this will help keep electricity flowing to two million homes and businesses throughout central and southern Scotland. The Vodafone projects will also 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, while supporting the fast and safe correction of faults when they occur.
This kit can help you weather power cuts
Prepare for possible electricity outages with these tips and gear, tiding you over until the power comes back on, including a handy power backup for your Vodafone home broadband router.
Paul Garston, Head of Smart Grid Operations, SP Energy Networks, 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 about using connectivity on The Nation’s Network to develop new capabilities that benefit everyone – consumers, businesses and our environment. We are looking forward to working with SPEN on this exciting and innovative project.”
Stay up to date with the latest news from Vodafone by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter/X, as well as signing up for News Centre website notifications.
-Ends-
Notes to Editors
Vodafone and Three merger
The merger with Three UK will lead to the construction of a nationwide 5G network in Scotland. This will come as part of an £11 billion investment, delivering 5G Standalone coverage to 89% of the country’s landmass.
In doing so, it will build on Vodafone’s existing investment in Scotland, which has seen 5G brought to major Scottish cities, airports and universities, as well as 4G coverage successfully introduced across rural areas through the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme.
About SP Energy Networks
SP Energy Networks is a distribution and transmission network operator. Its network of over 110,000km of power cables and 30,000 substations keeps the electricity flowing to 3.5 million homes and businesses throughout central & southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire, North & Mid-Wales and North Shropshire.
SP Energy Networks is the networks division of ScottishPower, part of the Iberdrola Group. Iberdrola and ScottishPower confirmed £24bn of investment for the years 2024 to 2028, with two-thirds of this investment directed to transmission and distribution.
