As part of the work to install new HVDC converter equipment at Haywards and Benmore (the Pole 3 project), we will also be permanently decommissioning and removing Pole 1 from around August this year.
Half of Pole 1 was decommissioned from September 2007. The remaining half has been available for limited operations (north transfer, and during grid emergencies only) since then.
Pole 1 comprises equipment and technology that is outdated and no longer supported.