Under the contract, Vodafone will operate and enhance remote monitoring data systems across more than 110,000 km of overhead lines and underground cables and more than 30,000 substations in Central and Southern Scotland, Merseyside and North Wales. Vodafone will also provide specialist support to SP Energy Networks to help implement new smart grid technologies and integrate generation from renewable sources such as solar and wind. Performance data gathered and analysed by Vodafone will assist SP Energy Networks in prioritising network improvement plans; the company is investing more than £6 billion over the next eight years to upgrade and enhance its infrastructure.
Vodafone Global Enterprise Chief Executive Jan Geldmacher said, “A world-class power distribution network relies on world-class digital communications to function effectively. We welcome the opportunity to work with ScottishPower in support of the company’s plans to meet the long-term needs of its customers.”
SP Energy Networks Chief Executive Officer, Frank Mitchell, added, “This is a major contract that is designed to enhance our network operations and ultimately benefit our 3.5 million customers. We look forward to working with Vodafone who will provide communications systems that will help us to manage the day-to-day reliability of our network and plan for the future.”