It was back to school for SP Energy Networks as it celebrated the completion of the substation that will power the new state-of-the-art Dumfries High when it opened its doors .
Led by Dumfries local, Stuart Love, who is SP Energy Networks’ Head of Planning and Network Improvements in the region, the team powering up the new campus also included three former Dumfries High School pupils – Dylan Cairnie (28), John Dirom (55) and Lucy Johnstone (27).
In a fitting return to where it all began, the former pupils were part of the engineering team who built the substation and re-routed hundreds of metres of underground cables to plug the new school into the electricity grid.
The successful project not only ensures a reliable and resilient electricity supply for the hundreds of staff and students using the school’s modern learning spaces, recreation zones and sports facilities, it also upgrades the wider electricity network for the east side of the town, benefitting homes and businesses alike.
Stuart said: “Our teams have been working hard to prepare the network for the new Dumfries High and have worked closely with the council to understand the school’s future energy needs and ensure we deliver the modern, resilient and reliable network the school – and the wider community – need for a cleaner and greener future.
“We’ve always been a business that’s very much community focused, so it’s particularly pleasing to know that some of our team who have delivered this project are actually former pupils at the school too, which is both very fitting and incredibly rewarding for us.
“It’s also a great example of the local jobs and opportunities with SP Energy Networks available to people across Dumfries & Galloway – and the difference the company’s investment is making for communities across the region.”
Councillor George Jamieson, Vice Chair Education Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee at Dumfries & Galloway Council, added: “Dumfries High School will set a new standard for energy efficiency in schools across the region. SP Energy Networks and ScottishPower have been vital in making this happen by expertly leading the transformation of the local energy network to support the school with a new substation.”
Following this full-circle moment for the team, Dylan, John and Lucy reflected on the project that quite literally took them back to school.
Dylan said: “There’s something quite surreal about coming back to a place you know so well and spent so much time to play your part in making a difference for the next generation of students. It’s been really exciting to watch the new building take shape and know that the lights will go on and the tech will work because of the project we’ve completed on the network!”
John said: “It was brilliant to be back at Dumfries High, but quite literally sitting on the other side of the fence! It’s not that long ago that I would have been in the classroom thinking about what I wanted to do and where my career would take me, and thanks to SP Energy Networks, I’ve come full circle!”
Lucy said: “It was amazing to come back to not only help power up the new campus, but to also showcase the career opportunities the energy industry has to offer. It feels really special to work on a project with such a personal connection and it will be exciting to see a whole new chapter get underway for the town when the new school opens its doors.”
For more information on ScottishPower’s upcoming projects in the region, visit scottishpower.com/southofscotland.
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