Energy giant SSE's electricity network supports almost 2,000 jobs across the north of Scotland and is expected to have contributed £287million to the economy by the end of this year, new research has revealed. The Perth-based firm, which manages 77,000 miles of overhead lines and underground cables across the north of Scotland and through its network in the south of England, added that it has invested £126million this year in the Scottish network to increase its resilience. Through its subsidiary, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD), SSE operates its electricity distribution network from John O'Groats through Perth and Dundee, as well as 89 Scottish Islands, according to the report by Big Four accountancy firm, PwC. SHEPD delivers electricity to some 740,000 customers in Scotland. Mark Mathieson, SSE's Managing Director of Networks said the firm commissioned the study ahead of an upcoming price review by the energy watchdog, Ofgem.