Lancaster unlooping trial

We're taking a proactive approach to remove houses from a 'looped service’, giving our customers involved with the scheme their own service cable to improve the overall electrical resilience and performance of the network and future proofing it. This ensures properties are better equipped for future energy demands for electric car chargers, solar panels or heat pumps.

Why the work is taking place?

We're proactively investing to 'de-loop' properties. The work is essential for upgrading the electricity network in the Lancaster area to make sure we, as the region's power network operator, deliver the expected growth in electricity demand to support the drive towards net-zero.

What will the work help support?

These works will help facilitate the installation of Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs) such as heat pumps, EV chargers for electric vehicle charging, smart meter installation and solar PV, working with our customers to make the move to a low carbon future. Low carbon homes produce, and often store their own energy, resulting in lower carbon emissions and lower bills. Homes that have already chosen to go low, are still able to keep warm, access hot water and power electrical items, but with a lower carbon footprint.

This work will also see the safe removal of old VIR (Vulcanised Indian Rubber) and pyro cables. The insulation of these old cables deteriorates over time and is no longer compliant with modern safety standards.

What will SP Electricity North West be doing?

We're completing the removal of what we class as a ‘looped service’, giving our customers involved with the scheme their own dedicated service cable. To install the new service cable from the mains to the meter, we'll advise our customers that we may need to a dig in their driveway or front garden. We will of course, reinstate this when the work is finished. Sometimes the work can be more complex if there are many looped services. Each job is bespoke, so letting us know about your requirements upfront helps us to plan and deliver the project more efficiently.

*Currently the service to ‘unloop’ our customers is free of charge but this could change in future*

Utilising cutting edge technology

Vacuum Excavation machinery (Vac-ex) will be used on the Lancaster unlooping trial - the first time a Vac-ex has been used on an unlooping site, showing how it can be used to deliver unlooping.

This equipment reduces the time taken to dig, meaning a higher volume of properties unlooped.
Because the equipment is a vacuum, it means there is no spoil, meaning sites remain clean, clear of rubble, reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls, whilst keeping the site clean and tidy.
The equipment also reduces the risk of hitting cables

The Lancaster unlooping trials consists of unlooping 263 properties in total. The work commenced on 1 June 2026 and is set to be completed in August 2026.