MEA Substation Justification Letter

Manx Electricity Authority

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PO Box 177 · Douglas · Isle of Man · IM99 1PS · British Isles Tel +44 (1624) 687687 · Fax +44 (1624) 687612 www.manxelectricity.com · [email protected] e-mail [email protected] / Dire The Secretary of the Planning Committee Department of Local Government and the Environment Murray House Mount Havelock Douglas IM1 2SF

NS/P/JQ/CS080103 9 July 2008

Dear Sir,

PLANNING APPLICATION FOR BUILDING OF A NEW 33kV PRIMARY SUBSTATION ADJACENT TO MEA BALLACOTTIER HEADQUARTERS

MEA wish to provide supporting information in relation to the above planning application to construct a new 33,000 volt (33kV) electricity substation adjacent to MEA Ballacottier headquarters.

Electricity supplies to all properties in the area of South Douglas are currently supplied from Pulrose Power station using a network of 11,000 volt (11kV) cables, local distribution substations and low voltage cables to provide low voltage supplies to individual premises.

Over the years the electricity demand in this area of Douglas has increased with the connection of new domestic, commercial and industrial premises in areas such as Farm Hill, Harcroft, Vicarage Park, Spring Valley, Lheannag Park, Isle of Man Business Park and Ballapaddagh. The high voltage 11kV network has expanded to accommodate these new connections, however a point has been reached where the existing 11kV network is approaching full capacity and requires reinforcing.

It is proposed to reinforce the high voltage electricity network in this area of Douglas by constructing a 33kV primary substation and transforming the voltage down to 11kV, which will provide reinforcing connections into the existing 11kV cable network.

Network studies have been undertaken based on existing electrical loads and taking into consideration areas for future development in the South Douglas area. These studies have established that the best location for the installation of a 33kV substation is in the Isle of Man Business Park area. Further enquires to establish the availability of land have determined that the most economic option is to construct the proposed 33kV substation on land owned by the authority adjacent to its headquarters building at Ballacottier.

DYESTOR IN PEOPLE

0801388

The proposed 33kV substation has been split into two parts, with the high voltage 33kV & 11kV switchgear, protection and control equipment housed in a substation building adjacent to the existing stores building and the transformers housed in a separate bay in an unused corner of the site. The opportunity will also be taken to extend the existing road and relocate car parking around the site to provide enhanced vehicle flows.

MEA have determined that the proposed site is the best location for a new 33kV primary substation in the South Douglas area which is required in order to secure electricity supplies to existing and future customers in this area.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on the above telephone number or e-mail if you have any questions or require further clarification in relation to this planning application.

Yours faithfully

J.P. Quayle BSc CEng MIET Planning Manager