Energy infrastructure contractor M Group has been awarded a £110 million contract to replace more than 70km of overhead line on ScottishPower’s Strathaven to Smeaton route in Scotland, SP Energy Networks said. SP Energy Networks said the existing line was constructed in the 1960s and that all its key components are being replaced, with almost one million metres of high-capacity conductor to be installed. The award falls under SP Energy Networks’ £5.4 billion transmission framework, in which 19 companies were selected as preferred partners to help deliver a £12 billion transmission investment programme. SP Energy Networks said the work will help it and parent company ScottishPower create 1,000 new jobs, and deliver tens of thousands more in the supply chain. SP Energy Networks owns and operates the transmission network for central and southern Scotland, with more than 4,500km of overhead electricity lines, 600km of underground cables and more than 150 substations.