Woodford substation upgrade: supporting Kerry's growing electricity needs

As part of ESB Networks’ Price Review 6 (PR6) investment programme, the electrical capacity at the Woodford 38 kV Station in Killarney has been increased to support the continued growth of Kerry and surrounding communities. 

As demand for electricity continues to increase, accelerating capacity is essential to enable new housing developments, support local businesses and power future economic growth. This upgrade strengthens the existing network, ensuring it can meet growing demand while continuing to provide a secure and reliable supply for customers.

The project involved the upgrade and commissioning of two 18.75 MVA transformers at the Woodford 38 kV Station. 

With the successful energisation of the second transformer, the project is now fully complete and delivering an additional 17.5 MVA of installed transformer capacity to the local network. 

This additional installed capacity is equivalent to powering approximately 4,500 new homes, including those using low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles. 

MVA (megavolt amperes) describes the capacity of the electricity network. The higher the MVA rating, the more electricity the network can carry, supporting more homes, businesses and technologies in a geographic area. 

Think of MVA like the width of a road. A wider road can carry more traffic. In the same way, increasing MVA allows more electricity to flow across the network to where it is needed.

Benefits for local communities

The upgrade will bring significant benefits to people and businesses across Kerry: 

• More connections: Additional capacity will support new homes, commercial developments and industrial activity across the region.

• Supporting growth: Improved electrical infrastructure will help enable housing delivery and economic development in Kerry.  

• Ready for the future: The network has been strengthened to support increasing demand from electric vehicles, heat pumps and other low-carbon technologies.

This investment supports Kerry’s role in Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future. By increasing capacity on the existing network, ESB Networks is helping customers connect sooner while preparing the system for greater electrification. 

The upgraded station will support growing electricity demand from homes, businesses and communities as Ireland continues to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce carbon emissions. Projects like Woodford are helping to ensure communities can grow sustainably while supporting Ireland’s climate ambitions.

Driving capacity through targeted investment

The Woodford upgrade forms part of ESB Networks’ wider Price Review 6 (PR6) investment programme, which is delivering strategic investments across Ireland to strengthen and optimise the electricity network. 

By upgrading two 18.75 MVA transformers and increasing capacity on the existing network, ESB Networks is helping more customers connect sooner while supporting housing delivery, economic development and Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future. 

Through targeted investment under PR6, ESB Networks is ensuring the electricity network can meet the growing needs of communities, businesses and industry, both today and into the future.