The first public consultation over the proposed ‘Cross Border Connection’ ended at Christmas, but the campaign against the Scottish Power Energy Network (SPEN) plans has continued into 2025, focusing on Scottish Power pylon plans and local business concerns in the Borders
SPEN’s Position and Local MP Involvement
Packed meetings organised by local MPs and councillors heard a swathe of concerns over the proposals to run overhead power lines, on sixty feet high pylons, for around 50 miles through some of the region’s most scenic valleys.
SPEN say the link, which will take renewable energy into England, is a vital part of a UK-wide infrastructure upgrade and has to run through the Borders. Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont has organised a meeting with representatives from the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to discuss further consultation and SBCC Chair Trevor Jackson submitted a Chamber response seeking more support for local businesses and inviting SPEN to meet directly with Borders businesses.
”"...the consideration of local businesses and how they might benefit from these plans is sadly missing"
Trevor JacksonSBCC Chair
SBCC Response Highlights Business Concerns
He wrote: “The SBCC has seen a rapid growth in membership recently and we have had a number of comments from members concerned about the lack of ‘Future Proofing’ of the local distribution system to allow our local businesses to benefit from the large scale transmission infrastructure being considered for our area.”
“We are aware of a number of local businesses that would benefit significantly from improved access to power supplies and cheaper electricity. To date the consideration of local businesses and how they might benefit from these plans, enhance decarbonisation and create jobs in an increasingly circular economy is sadly missing.
“The Borders Chamber would welcome an early meeting, including with representatives of our membership, to discuss opportunities that might be enabled by this project, or considered in Scottish Power’s wider network plans.
“We feel that local business energy opportunities for the Borders network should be the primary consideration when finalising the route, alongside the impact on scenery and visual impact which affects our tourist business membership.”
Focus on Energy Opportunities for the Borders
With support from Philip Kerr of Westerhayes Impact Advisory, the Chamber has shared insight from local businesses, and impact concerns, with SPEN. The submission highlighted the surplus of local power generation and challenge for under-developed local distribution systems but added that improvements to the systems and substations would bring welcome jobs to the region and a strengthened local energy system.
In the SBCC submission, Mr Jackson concluded: “From a Borders Chamber of Commerce perspective, the initial plans look like a missed opportunity, and the Chamber would welcome the opportunity to discuss constructively with Scottish Power means by which the local power network could be developed to enhance business use.
“The time for potential construction is a long one with completion slated for 2033. The energy requirements of our members, in our view, require an ongoing dialogue and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this at the earliest opportunity.”
If you would like to get involved and share your opinion on the Scottish Power Pylon Plans, why not join the SBCC now?
