£4 million project to reinforce Cheltenham’s electricity network underway

We are investing £4 million in a major reinforcement project to reinforce the electricity supply for over 55,000 customers in Cheltenham and surrounding areas.

The project will take place in two key phases over the next year. It focuses on repainting and refurbishing overhead line towers, followed by the replacement of overhead conductors.

The first phase, tower painting, began on 2 June 2025 and will continue through to 12 August 2025. This work is essential to protect the steel structures from corrosion and extend their operational life. During this time, residents in Kingsditch, Springbank, Swindon Village, and Wyman’s Brook may notice the work ongoing.

Each tower will be cleaned and jet-washed, then primed in yellow before receiving a final grey coat. Only half of each tower will be painted at a time to allow for safe switching of circuits.

Due to the need for dry, calm weather and specific temperature conditions, the exact timing and location of work each day will be determined based on daily forecasts. This flexible scheduling ensures safety standards are met, and that high-quality work can be delivered.

The second phase, reconductoring, is scheduled from 26 May to 30 June 2026. This involves replacing the overhead wires that carry electricity across the region.

Customers can expect to see a larger presence of vehicles, equipment, and contractors during this time, with safe working platforms and designated areas established to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.

Engineering teams have carefully planned the reconductoring phase to minimise disruption. Work areas have been selected based on the safest and most practical locations for conductor pulls and equipment setup, with special attention given to areas where the new conductors will oversail public spaces.

This vital investment will help ensure the long-term resilience of Cheltenham’s electricity infrastructure, reducing the risk of outages and boosting the network to accommodate new and future demand.

Katriya Ruxton, from our Major Projects team, said:

“We’d like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while this essential work takes place. We know that projects like this can cause some short-term disruption, but the long-term benefits are significant. This investment will help ensure a safe, reliable electricity supply for thousands of homes and businesses across Cheltenham for many years to come. By acting now, we’re protecting the network and delivering value for our customers.”