THE power substation in Drakes Way is getting a £2.9m upgrade to raise it above the flood risk level.

The Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks substation and transformers supply power to almost 3,000 people, including large businesses in the nearby industrial estate.

Fears over the potential flooding of the River Cole prompted the work to begin in the summer and it is due to be completed in March.

The project involves placing network switchgear – which is sensitive to flood levels – in a specially constructed, elevated building on the existing site, with the connected transformers placed alongside on 1.8m high concrete plinths.

The construction and the positioning of two transformers is now complete, with further equipment being installed in the run-up to March.

SSEN’s project manager Peter Welsh said: “Our Drakes Way substation and transformers are critical to a resilient power supply to many of Swindon’s homes and businesses.

“We wanted to ensure that supply couldn’t be affected by rising flood water and that we had a network which could be safely accessed by our engineers throughout the year.

“By elevating the substation and associated equipment our customers can feel confident that their power supply is robust, regardless of the weather and the potential of rising levels of the River Cole.

“Many of our customers will be completely unaware of the works, as they have taken place in an industrial area – enabling us to move the two 27 tonne transformers to their new, raised platforms without even interrupting the power supply of nearby homes and businesses.”