OREANDA-NEWS. Southern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD) is investing over GBP 1mln to make the electricity network in the Grayswood area of Haslemere, Surrey more robust. The works will involve a combined programme of tree-cutting and installation of new, state-of-the-art overhead lines, and will result in local power supplies being more secure and less susceptible to power cuts caused by tree-damage.

Chandra Trikha, SEPD's Head of Capital Delivery and Maintenance, explains more about the work that will be starting towards the end of April: "We're committed to keeping the lights on for our customers and as part of this commitment we are constantly checking our network for areas in which we can improve the reliability of supplies to our customers.

"In recent times our network around Grayswood, which is a very rural area, has seen a number of power cuts caused by trees and their branches striking our overhead lines. To minimise the risk of this happening in the future, we will be carrying out a programme of vegetation management in the worst affected areas around the village, and replacing the existing uninsulated wire with the latest version which is wrapped in a protective coating and can withstand branches and other airborne debris coming into contact with it. "