National Grid is introducing a new contracting model under the Electricity Transmission Partnership (ETP), aimed at fostering long-term collaboration and building strong regional relationships with contractors. Reports Contract Journal
As part of this shift, regional exclusivity for new build and substation upgrade projects will be granted to ETP partners throughout the five-year term of the agreement, running until March 2031.
The appointed regional delivery partners are:
- Balfour Beatty – North East
- Morgan Sindall Infrastructure – North West
- Murphy – South West (Region One) and London & South East
- M Group Energy – South West (Region Two)
- OTW – Central West
An initial £1.3bn of exclusive work will be allocated soon, providing these partners with first refusal on upcoming substation projects within their respective regions.
In addition to regional partners, two national contractors – Linxon and Burns & McDonnell – will be brought in to support substation works that fall outside the regional portfolios.
Looking ahead, the ETP model could evolve further to include other aspects of network infrastructure beyond substations.
Alice Delahunty, president of National Grid Electricity Transmission, said: “Our Electricity Transmission Partnership marks a bold shift in how we deliver vital electricity infrastructure.
“By adopting a regional, long term approach, we’re giving our supply chain the certainty to invest in people, skills and innovation. It’s a key step in turning our RIIO-T3 investment ambitions into action and building a resilient grid to support Britain’s clean energy future.”