SP Energy Networks has announced the preferred partners for a £5.4bn contract to deliver the biggest rewiring of the national electricity grid since its inception.

The investment will help meet increasing demand and unlock growth. SP Energy Networks’ parent company, ScottishPower, said it will also create 1,000 new jobs and deliver tens of thousands more in the supply chain.

Nineteen winners have been announced to work on the programme which will run for an initial five years, with the option to extend up to 10.

The agreement includes up to £3bn on new overhead lines and £2.4bn on new and upgraded substations, including design, engineering, construction, and electrical works.

Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks, said: “We’re delivering the biggest overhaul of the electricity grid ever seen to unlock growth and free up network capacity for new homes, businesses and clean energy projects.

“These strategic partnerships will give suppliers the confidence to invest in themselves, growing their workforce, opening new offices across the country and creating even greater opportunities for the UK

“This is great news for the UK and Scottish supply chains, with every pound spent directly benefiting central southern Scotland and its infrastructure for decades to come.”

The successful suppliers joined Nicola Connelly to sign SP Energy Networks’ Delivery Charter at an event at the company’s Glasgow HQ last week, which outlines the businesses commitment to delivering on green jobs and talent development, a positive impact on communities and a safe working environment.

SP Energy Networks, part of ScottishPower, owns and operates the transmission network for central and southern Scotland with more than 4,500km of overhead electricity lines, 600 km of underground cables and over 150 substations to transport high voltage power across the region.

It also operates undersea high voltage cables and last week was given the go-ahead to progress with a new underwater superhighway off the east coast of Britain.

In September ScottishPower confirmed it was doubling its investment in the UK to 2028, from £12bn to £24bn, with two thirds focused on electricity networks.

In the coming weeks SP Energy Networks will submit its five-year business plan for the period 2026 to 2031 to the energy regulator, Ofgem. These plans will play an important role in helping deliver the UK government’s Clean Power 2030 ambition.

Preferred partners include Keltbray Energy which will deliver work across both overhead lines and substations. I&H Brown, the Scottish headquartered family run civil engineering firm and RJ McLeod, the Glasgow-based contractors who will help deliver new and upgraded substations.