Find out how we’re upgrading the University’s high-voltage electrical network.
Overview
What we are making better: We’re improving the campus’ high-voltage electrical network to increase its capacity and resilience. It will help us power the new West Slope development.
How we are making it better: We’re adding a new West Ring Main (WRM) and upgrading the existing high-voltage systems.
What it is: A ring main is a network that carries high-voltage electricity. Our campus already has North and South ring mains. The WRM will be the third.
Who is affected: Staff and students will benefit from a more reliable and future-proof power network.
About the project
A ring main is a system of equipment that distributes high-voltage electricity in a local area.
Currently, the University has two ring mains (North and South) carrying 11,000-volt electricity. This is reduced to lower voltage through transformers and distributed to buildings and equipment.
The WRM project adds a third ring main to supply power to the West Slope development and upgrades existing equipment across campus.
How the project will change and improve campus
The WRM will provide enough power capacity to support campus growth and make the system more reliable by spreading electrical demand across three networks.
The project will deliver:
- More high-voltage power to support West Slope, EV chargers, and future buildings
- Greater flexibility and resilience by balancing demand across three ring mains
- Upgraded substation equipment to make power use more efficient and reduce costs.
The project supports sustainability goals by improving how we manage and use electricity.
Delivery timeline
This three-year project will be carefully managed to limit disruption. Updates will be shared throughout.
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Stage one (2025)
Install a new electrical supply to the West Slope development.
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Stage two (2026)
Upgrade equipment at Park Village Substation.
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Stage three (2027)
Upgrade the Arts Substation and install a new electrical supply.
