We are thrilled to have a strong order book for 2024, which includes exciting projects involving extra-high voltage (EHV) works in Sheffield, Immingham, and Rotherham. We have also secured additional projects in the Midlands region. Our commitment to providing an exceptional service and real-time experience in EHV works up to 275kV sets us apart from others in the industry.

Our decision to become an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is driven by the requests and needs of our valued clients. We aim to deliver a top-tier service that exceeds expectations and establishes us as a leader in our field.

In 2021, Northern Powergrid (NPG) approached us directly to secure and service the Automated Ring-based Reclose (ARR) contract in the Yorkshire regions. At the time, NPG was experiencing challenges with contractors who were unable to deliver teams for loss of customer supply within the ARR workstream. We stepped in and successfully provided this service for several months until NPG found another contractor to take over the project.

During this period, we maintained close communication with NPG Fault Management Coordinators at the control centers in the four Yorkshire zones and North Lincolnshire areas. Our collaboration allowed us to effectively manage the ARR contract, ensuring smooth operations. Currently, we continue to successfully service this contract in partnership with O'Connor Utilities.

In 2014, our team took on the challenging project of installing 1.6km of 2 x 132kV Cables in the recently built tunnel system under Canary Wharf and the River Thames. Some of the challenges we faced included working in extreme heat (35°C), navigating through a Category A Confined space, and maneuvering our 40-ton drum trailers through the East end of London. Additionally, gaining access to the Tunnel shafts at a depth of 30 meters presented another hurdle.

To overcome these challenges, we employed our innovative Cable Pushing Design technology, collaborating closely with Grundowinch GmbH. Our recently developed Cable Pushing Methodology enabled us to safely install the EHV Cables down the Access shafts, negotiating a tunnel T Section interchange, and reaching the Jointing position 750 meters underground. The enclosed photos showcase our EHV Cable Pushing Methodology in action within the tunnel system.

This successful application of our proprietary technology allowed us to navigate the complex tunnel system while ensuring the safe installation of the cables. The collaboration with Grundowinch GmbH further strengthened our ability to deliver exceptional results under challenging conditions.

Another notable aspect of this project was the installation of the 132kV Cables on the tunnel wall Brackets, offsetting the Centre/Centre distance by 350mm. This was an industry first in the UK, requested by UKPN to allow the Cable and Tunnel to flex, which would prevent future EHV Faults caused by the Cable's inability to adapt to the tunnel system's flexibility.

The enclosed photos demonstrate this innovative installation technique, which was essential for ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of the cables in the tunnel system. This proactive approach to cable installation highlights our team's dedication to delivering not only high-quality results but also industry-leading solutions.

Throughout the 5-month contractual period, our team effectively coordinated with the Thames Valley Traffic Police to safely navigate our Wide loads, which exceeded 5.2 meters in width, through the busy streets of the City of London during normal working hours. This meticulous planning and close collaboration with local authorities was a testament to our team's adaptability and problem-solving skills in the face of logistical challenges.

The ability to successfully negotiate and plan the movement of our oversized loads amidst the hustle and bustle of London's traffic, demonstrates the flexibility and coordination necessary for delivering projects in such a challenging urban environment. This is a testament to our team's dedication to overcoming all obstacles to ensure project completion and client satisfaction.

In preparation for this challenging project, all staff members received extensive training in Safe working in Confined spaces (types A/B/C), as well as enhanced Rescue of persons/casualties in such environments. This 5-day training was conducted at our state-of-the-art facility in Mexborough, ensuring that all team members were fully prepared for the unique challenges of working in the tunnel system under the City of London.

In addition to training on confined spaces and rescue procedures, staff members were also educated on the complex issues and hazards they may encounter in the tunnel system, including potential risks associated with the environment and the cables. Designated individuals were further instructed and trained in the Top Man role, which involves managing the Permitting system for Ingress/egress into the tunnel system.

This rigorous training program, combined with our innovative Cable Pushing Methodology and collaboration with Grundowinch GmbH, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and client satisfaction in the face of challenging projects and environments.

2010

Lanark 33kV EHV Cable Installation works for SPEN involved taking over from a previous contractor who had failed to install 12km of 1 x 33kV Cables correctly or to specification. Our team's expertise in rope blowing and testing the as-laid Duct circuit was vital to the success of this project.

In addition to the technical challenges, the project also required navigating through numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) around the New Lanark Mill. The previous contractors had unfortunately buried hazardous waste at the side of the River Clyde, which could have led to a significant environmental disaster. Our expertise in dealing with hazardous waste was called upon, and we successfully contained the waste and its leachate, avoiding any adverse impact on the surrounding environment.

As a result of our timely intervention, the 33kV Outage was met with two weeks' grace, despite the initial setbacks caused by the previous contractor. This highlights our team's ability to adapt to challenging situations, respond swiftly to unforeseen problems, and ensure the successful completion of the project.

2009-16

Alongside the ongoing projects in the NPG Zones and N Lincs areas, our team successfully delivered a range of OHU/HV/LV Overlay works, showcasing our expertise in managing multiple projects concurrently. Our reputation for delivering high-quality results allowed us to secure additional major EHV projects during this period, further solidifying our position as a leader in the industry.

In the following years, we were able to expand our service offerings by winning new contracts, such as the ARR/PLF workstream. These new projects allowed us to showcase our versatility and adaptability, as we successfully navigated the challenges presented by each unique project.

During this period, we were awarded several major EHV projects, including the prestigious 132kV Cable Installation works at Dalmarnock 275kV Primary S/station to St Andrews Cross Primary S/Station in the City Centre of Glasgow. This project involved the diversion of O/H 132kV Cables and removal of 132kV Tower Structures, presenting unique challenges due to the busy urban environment.



Overcoming Logistical Challenges

One of the main challenges was working in the city center with heavy EHV drums weighing 40 tons. We overcame this difficulty by directly liaising with all wide movement loads and coordinating with the Greater Glasgow Police traffic department. This allowed us to effectively plan and escort our 48-ton Drum Trailers through the busy city streets during off-peak hours.

Managing Technical Difficulties

Another challenge was de-watering the EHV Joint bays (15mt x 4.5mt x 3.0mt). Our team successfully removed the water and continuously de-watered the excavation. Additionally, contaminated ground from old Victorian Dye works was properly removed and disposed of at licensed facilities.

Despite issues arising from the EHV Cable Design route not considering numerous Traffic Junctions and encountered services excavated by the Tier 1 Contractor, we adapted quickly. By sourcing specialist equipment from TT UK, we were able to install the 132kV Cable through the recently tested 150mm ducts, achieving typical EHV Cable Installs on our Winches ranging from 4kn to 7.50kn over 950mt Centre joint Bays. Both NKT Cables and the client, Iberdrola/SPEN, expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the full scheme in 2012.

2003-09

We continued to operate in the 4 x Yorkshire Zones, successfully executing OHU/HV/LV Overlay works for NPG. Additionally, we won contracts from Bethell Power Services, which allowed us to demonstrate our versatility in executing Sub Station replacement works and Demolition in the Yorkshire and North Lincs Areas.

One of the challenges we encountered was the removal of contaminated ground where PCB Oils had leaked into the surrounding environment. By quickly obtaining the necessary consignment notes and approvals from the Environment Agency, we were able to efficiently handle most Hazardous Wastes found in our Working environment. This demonstrated our commitment to environmental safety and compliance.

In addition to our work with NPG, we secured contracts from Bethell Power Services to perform Sub Station replacement works and Demolition in the Yorkshire and North Lincs Areas. Our responsibilities also included removing contaminated ground where PCB Oils had leaked into the surrounding environment. We swiftly obtained the necessary consignment notes and approvals from the Environment Agency, enabling us to handle most Hazardous Wastes found in our working environment.

Our projects with Bethell Power Services involved building New S/Station Bases and Housings in sensitive areas of the High Peak using naturally sourced materials and stones as specified by the Natural Trust. These projects showcased our commitment to environmental responsibility and adherence to client specifications.

Furthermore, we won major EHV diversion works in the 4 x Yorkshire Zones, complementing our ongoing HV/LV Overlay works in the Yorks areas. Notably, we were tasked with the Skelton Grange EHV 132kv Cable works, which involved excavating and installing 2 circuits of 132kv Cables for 1.6km over a contaminated site. We successfully navigated challenges such as Japanese Knotweed infestation and suspected heavy metal contamination, ensuring all equipment and PPE were decontaminated daily. We also installed 132kv Cables up to the relevant termination positions on the EHV Towers for NPG.

2001-03

In addition to our projects with Bethell Power Services and NPG, we were contracted by J Murphy and Sons to undertake our first EHV diversion works at Thorpe Marsh Power Station. This project involved 2 quad circuits of 66kv single core Cables and 12 pilot Cables for a distance of 4.6km in the public highway, aiming to upgrade the 66kv infrastructure in the South Yorks areas for NPG.

Despite challenges such as working closely to the River Don, a fresh water salmon river, and excavating in the Primary S/station and along old Cable Routes in the disused Power Station, our team successfully completed the project. A particularly difficult challenge was shoring and excavating a graded trench to a depth of 6mtrs x 50mtrs under the disused warm water discharge pipes from the old Cooling towers. We executed this work efficiently over a weekend period when we could close the Highway, delivering the project two months ahead of schedule.

2000-01

Recognizing a need for a reputable EHV Cable Excavation/Installation Company based in the North of England, I formed the current company. We began our operations by sub-contracting with established players in the industry such as Alfred McAlpine, J Murphy & Sons, Freedom Power Services, Roberts CGT Ltd, and Bethell Power Services Ltd.

1990-2000

Initially operating as a sole trader, I provided HV LV Fault works for Balfour Beatty and J Murphy & Sons, who were the tier 1 chosen contractor working for NPG. Our tasks included Asset Replacement/Restoration, HV/LV Overlays, Fault Finding, Excavation, HV/LV Jointing, and Backfill Reinstatement in the 4 x Yorkshire Zones and North Lincolnshire.

We followed the current NPG specifications, installing HV/LV Cables using either a ducted formation or an open cut methodology depending on the requirements of each individual site or project.