An energy company plans to spend £30 million during the next four years to upgrade the electricity network through Rayleigh.

EDF Energy has applied to Rochford District Council for permission to remove a number of tower structures in the Rawreth area as it intends to move overhead lines underground to make the electricity network more reliable.

The firm anticipates demand for electricity to increase in the area the coming years.

If its proposals are approved by the council, EDF's engineers will get rid of more than 20 tower structures as well as more than six kilometres of overhead power line.

Barry Hatton, director of capital programme of EDF Energy's Networks division, said: "This major project shows the commitment and significant investment we are making in the electricity network in and around Rayleigh.

"The replacement of ageing electricity equipment with modern compact equivalents will reinforce and maintain the existing reliable infrastructure in the local area."

As part of the work a new substation will be built on the site of an existing National Grid substation north west of Rayleigh town centre to house up to date electrical equipment.

In addition the substation in the centre will be made smaller as well as upgraded.

Residents have eight weeks to comment on the plans to Rochford District Council.

The final plans will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling, in February.