IN Brief:
- National Grid UK Limited is conducting market engagement for a proposed construction framework valued at £1.25bn including VAT.
- Planned work covers underground cabling from low voltage to 33kV and overhead wood pole networks up to 66kV.
- The proposed framework runs from September 2028 to September 2033, with an option to extend to September 2038.
National Grid has opened preliminary market engagement for an electricity distribution construction framework with an estimated value of £1.25 billion including VAT, covering underground cabling and overhead wood pole network works across four regional licence areas.
The notice was published on 2 November by National Grid UK Limited, which is the proposed contracting entity. National Grid Electricity Distribution is seeking feedback from experienced contractors before determining the procurement structure and detailed delivery arrangements for the framework.
The proposed scope covers distribution networks in the East Midlands, West Midlands, South West England, and South Wales. The framework could also be used by other companies within the National Grid UK Limited group, including its electricity transmission and ventures businesses.
The engagement process concerns a forthcoming procurement rather than an awarded construction contract. The £1.25 billion figure is the estimated total framework value including VAT, with actual expenditure dependent on the work subsequently commissioned and the arrangements established through the procurement.
The framework is expected to bring together two principal categories of electrical infrastructure work. Underground construction will cover systems from low voltage to 33kV, while overhead construction will include wood pole networks operating at low voltage, 11kV, 33kV, and 66kV.
National Grid is considering allocating work through regional lots, allowing contractors with suitable capabilities to participate in one or more geographic areas. Multidisciplinary lots are also under consideration, with supplier feedback intended to inform the eventual contracting model.
Underground construction activities will include excavation, cable trenching, duct installation, cable pulling, jointing, testing, backfilling, and reinstatement. Contractors may be required to manage subcontractors and deliver associated traffic management where projects affect roads or other public infrastructure.
Cable jointing up to 33kV will use client-supplied materials under the proposed arrangements. Successful contractors will therefore need appropriate installation competence and equipment compatible with the cables, accessories, and technical specifications supplied by the network operator.
Underground cable construction requires careful management of mechanical and electrical conditions. Pulling forces, minimum bending radii, route configuration, and cable handling procedures must remain within the permitted limits of the selected cable systems.
Jointing and termination work must provide suitable electrical continuity, insulation, and mechanical integrity. The completed circuits must also undergo the applicable inspection and testing procedures before energisation, with the exact requirements determined by the voltage level and equipment specification.
National Grid is considering an option for end-to-end delivery of underground projects. Such an arrangement could combine design, surveys, civil engineering, electrical installation, testing, and reinstatement within a contractor’s delivery responsibility, subject to the final scope and contract requirements.
The overhead category will encompass construction, refurbishment, replacement, and dismantling of wood pole electricity lines. It also includes the installation or replacement of associated plant, switchgear, and supporting infrastructure.
Wood pole network work introduces structural and electrical requirements associated with supporting conductors above ground. Pole condition, conductor loading, electrical clearances, and the arrangement of connected equipment must be considered when assessing whether existing infrastructure can remain in service or requires replacement.
Contractors may also undertake line patrols and pole inspections, recording findings that support the network operator’s asset management and maintenance programmes. Such activities can identify components requiring further investigation or replacement before deterioration affects the reliability of the electricity supply.
The proposed services include planned and emergency response work, including support during severe weather events. Contractors will need suitable personnel, vehicles, equipment, and procedures to undertake electrical construction safely in circumstances where network assets may be damaged or operating conditions have changed.
National Grid also identifies customer connection activities within the framework scope. These can include service transfers, cut-out replacements, and property connections, requiring coordination between the network operator, electrical contractors, and affected customers.
Both main categories include associated design and consent responsibilities. The notice identifies utility, asset, and ground investigations, survey planning, outline and detailed design, electrical safety design, and the management of necessary planning and access arrangements.
Successful contractors may be required to undertake principal designer and principal contractor responsibilities under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The framework also incorporates requirements for safe systems of work, environmental compliance, quality assurance, and security management.
Electrical network projects frequently involve interaction with other infrastructure and land interests. The proposed framework therefore includes liaison with local authorities, statutory undertakers, Network Rail, the Environment Agency, landowners, and other distribution network operators where relevant to individual works.
Project delivery responsibilities may extend to programme management, site supervision, resource planning, document control, and technical stakeholder coordination. Contractors must also demonstrate their ability to work to National Grid Electricity Distribution’s applicable standards and approved construction procedures.
Switching activities are specifically identified for overhead networks, including the potential involvement of suitably authorised personnel. These operations require coordination with the network operator’s electrical safety arrangements so that work can be undertaken under the appropriate isolation and control conditions.
The proposed framework period begins on 7 September 2028 and runs until 6 September 2033, with an extension option to 6 September 2038. These dates describe the anticipated contractual period rather than fixed schedules for individual construction projects.
Suppliers have been invited to provide expressions of interest and capability information by 13 November 2026. The requested material includes relevant experience, qualifications, preferred work categories, and examples of comparable delivery, limited to two A4 pages at this preliminary stage.
National Grid intends to hold an in-person supplier engagement event in the Worcester area on 30 November. Attendance will be subject to selection based on supplier experience and capability, with a signed non-disclosure agreement required before participation.
The consultation will inform the procurement strategy, scope, and contracting arrangements before the future framework is formally established. The resulting delivery structure could support network reinforcement, asset replacement, customer connections, and emergency works across National Grid’s distribution regions.
