Grenoble Road Network Investment

Since August 2025, our contract partners OCU Group have been installing new high voltage underground cables along Grenoble Road on our behalf. The works will increase the capacity and resilience of the local electricity network, helping to provide reliable power supplies for homes, businesses and public services across Oxford and the surrounding area.

We are now approaching completion of our works on Grenoble Road, with the next phase of the programme progressing along Watlington Road and towards the Ring Road.

The project forms part of SSEN’s wider £200m+ investment programme across Oxfordshire, strengthening the electricity network, supporting economic growth and helping prepare the region for a low-carbon future.

What we’re doing

Works along Grenoble Road have progressed in phases to help minimise disruption to residents, businesses and road users.

As this section of the programme nears completion, we would like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the works.

Next phase: upcoming works

Over the coming weeks, our teams will continue installing new underground electricity infrastructure along Watlington Road, before progressing towards the Ring Road.

Alongside these works, activity will continue at Cowley Local Substation as part of the wider programme to increase the capacity and resilience of the local electricity network.

Looking ahead to autumn 2026, further works are also expected on Little Bury, as well as additional cable installation along Grenoble Road to support the Oxford Science Park project.

We will provide residents and road users with further information ahead of these works, including confirmed timings and any associated traffic management arrangements, to help people plan their journeys.

The overall programme is expected to be completed by early 2027 at the latest.

Want to check other roadworks? Click here to view planned works across Oxfordshire.

“Maps Data: Google, Imagery ©2026 Airbus, Maxar Technologies, Map data ©2026”

Why this work is needed

Demand for electricity is growing as more of us use it in our homes, workplaces and for transport. Oxfordshire is also continuing to grow, with new homes, businesses and employment planned across the county.

At the same time, the transition to a low-carbon future is changing how electricity is generated and used. Strengthening the local network will help ensure it has the capacity and resilience needed to meet these changing demands.

Our investment supports three key priorities:

Supporting and driving sustainable economic growth

These upgrades will help provide the electricity infrastructure needed to support new homes, businesses and development across Oxfordshire.

Supporting the transition to a low-carbon future

Increasing network capacity will help enable the wider use of technologies such as electric vehicles, low-carbon heating and renewable energy.

Building security, resilience and capacity

Upgrading and expanding the network will help maintain reliable electricity supplies and meet growing demand from homes, businesses and public services.

Minimising disruption

We understand that roadworks can be disruptive, particularly on busy routes such as Grenoble Road and Watlington Road.

To help minimise the impact:

• Works are carried out in phases to limit the amount of traffic management required at any one time

• Temporary traffic management is used where required to keep traffic moving safely

• Local access is maintained wherever possible

• Advance notice is provided where access may be affected

• We work closely with Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council and other local projects to help minimise disruption

• Where bus stops or routes are affected, passengers should check with their operator for the latest travel information

As we move towards the Watlington Road phase, details of any traffic management arrangements will be shared with the local community in advance. We will continue to keep residents, businesses and road users informed as the project progresses.

Working with the community

Throughout the project, we have been working closely with local communities to keep people informed and provide opportunities to speak directly with the project team.

Our engagement has included:

• Door-knocking and direct engagement with residents

• Pop-up outreach and community events

• Regular project updates online and through community flyers

Most recently, we attended Leys Community Festival, where members of the project team spoke with local residents about the electricity network upgrades taking place across Oxfordshire.

The event provided an opportunity for residents to ask questions, learn more about the project and sign up to receive updates about upcoming works.

We also invited visitors to take part in a competition to guess how many cable connectors were in a jar. The winning guess was 243 – congratulations to our winner!

If you have ideas about how we can continue to engage with and support the local community, we'd be pleased to hear from you.

Creating a positive legacy

Our work goes beyond delivering essential electricity infrastructure. SSEN and OCU Group are committed to working with the communities we serve to create a positive social impact and leave a meaningful legacy.

This includes:

• Employment opportunities

• Skills training and apprenticeships

• Educational outreach

• Volunteering in the community

• Working with local charities, organisations and community groups

Contact us at LCD@sse.com to share your thoughts and ideas about how we can work with the local community to deliver a positive social impact.

Stay informed

To receive updates about this project and our wider works across Oxfordshire, please subscribe here.

If you have any questions about the works, you can also contact the project team:

Freephone: 0800 980 1395

Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:30pm

Email: LCD@sse.com