The first pictures taken inside a new multi-million pound upgrade to Kingston's electricity supply have been revealed.

They were published courtesy of electricity company UK Power Networks who announced the completion of a four-year project to update the area's electricity supply with four giant new pieces of equipment known as transformers.

The electricity provider said they would help "deliver safe and reliable electricity supplies to more than 73,000 local homes and businesses" in the area.

Transformers (not to be confused with Optimus Prime and co.) reduce voltage to ensure the safe delivery of electricity to other local substations and from there on to people's homes.

Your Local Guardian: One of the new transformers at the facility. Image: UK Power NetworksOne of the new transformers at the facility. Image: UK Power Networks

As such they play a key role in enabling people to heat and light their homes and businesses, charge smart phones, power TVs and computers and so on.

UK Power Networks said the new models were replacing equipment installed in the 1960s, and weighed approximately 90-tonnes apiece.

They take in electricity measuring a daunting 132,000-volts and lower it to 33,000-volts before transferring it on.

"We energised the last of four new transformers at the substation, marking the culmination of a significant investment project that will maintain reliable electricity supplies for the residents, businesses and communities we serve in Kingston," Project Manager Paul Rodgers said.

"The upgraded electricity substation is well equipped to meet future growth in demand for electricity and keep electricity supplies flowing to the local community for years to come," he added.

UK Power Networks said the project in Kingston forms part of the £600 million the company are spending on the electricity network across the South East, London and East of England this year.