National Grid has opened a tender process for contractors to join a framework to install high voltage cable circuits across its UK network.
The framework, to be run by National Grid UK, will be available to multiple companies within the group, including National Grid Electricity Transmission, National Grid Ventures and National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) and more.
The contracts will cover the full installation of 66kV and 132kV cable circuits, and may also include lower voltage circuits, earth wires/continuity conductors and NGED telecommunications ducts.
Work packages will include jointing, testing, commissioning and, where required, decommissioning.
Tender documents state the framework is expected to run from 29 May 2026 to 28 May 2027, with a possible extension to May 2028. National Grid estimates the total value at about £80M excluding VAT (£96M including VAT).
An award decision is pencilled in for 29 May 2026 and firms must request to participate by 5pm 30 April 2026.
Bidders will be expected to carry out design and installation work on a project‑by‑project basis. Design tasks could include cable system or route design and must take account of installation methods such as open cut or cable‑ploughing, with the potential for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) or shallow solutions where routes encounter special engineering difficulties (SEDs).
Tender terms emphasise that successful contractors must manage the full range of statutory and local authority interactions associated with streetworks. This includes coordinating opening notices, traffic management, permit schemes and any required road closures via NGED’s Streetworks team. Contractors will be responsible for resolving defects.
The framework also expects bidders to handle stakeholder liaison – from highway authorities and private landowners to local residents, schools and bus operators – and to provide appropriate security for stored materials and live works until networks are energised.
National Grid says it may supply certain “free issue” materials for projects, or contractors may be required to procure materials themselves; the decision will be made on a project basis. Contractors must inspect any free issue materials and coordinate deliveries. All materials not supplied by NGED must comply with the New Roads and Street Works Act and HAUC reinstatement standards.
Like what you’ve read? To receive New Civil Engineer’s daily and weekly newsletters click here.