Bringing power to the people
We brought increased power to Cambridgeshire to cope with future demand, using new ways of working to minimise disruption to local communities.
- Service 1
UK Power Networks
- Service 1
Consultancy & advisory
- Service 1
June 2014 - October 2014
Key benefits
c. £150m
saved by using an innovative Aerial Catenary Support System
Minimal
disruption to drivers on the A14 trunk road
Part of the Considerate Contractor scheme
New entrant
increases competition resulting in more efficient working for UKPN
Innovation
Our team used miniature robot ‘tugs’ to rig new conductors between electricity pylons high above the ground. The industry standard is to erect a large scaffolding structure underneath the line. This is fitted with netting so that in the event of a failure, the conductor drops into the net. However these structures are expensive and difficult to build over larger areas like motorways.
To ensure the people of Fulbourn and Burwell continued to receive a reliable electricity supply, 132kV overhead lines needed to be upgraded. The overhead tower line is around 16km and crosses the busy A14 and farmland.
Our system makes replacing conductors more efficient, potentially saving the customer several hundred thousand pounds this year alone. It also greatly reduces disruption to the public.
Contact and social
Energy