The upgrade comes as the SSEN delivers two major investment projects in Elgin and Macfudd.

More than 11,200 properties will benefit from a smarter, more resilient electricity network ahead of winter as part of a £5m programme of investment.

In Elgin, electrical engineers are progressing a £700,000 project at Ashgrove substation to replace equipment installed back in the 1960s.

SSEN is also investing £1.2m in the substation powering Macduff by replacing transformers and switchgear.

In both towns, engineers are installing automated equipment to significantly reduce disruption to customers during a power cut as part of an additional £2m investment across SSEN’s North Caledonia region, including Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen city.

The innovative, self-adapting automation system detects when, and where, there is a fault on the network, choosing the most suitable alternative cable to switch supplies to or sending a signal to the main control room where engineers can restore power at the touch of a button.

Michael Hilferty from SSEN, said: “We’re delighted to progress two major projects as part of our £5m investment programme in Moray and the north-coast, delivering vital upgrades to equipment installed in the 1960s which is reaching the end of its operational life.

“Our priority is to ensure a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity for our customers, and this investment goes a long way to delivering on that commitment for thousands of existing homes and businesses, as well as those looking to connect to our network in the coming years.”