UK Power Networks award NM Group four year framework

UK Power Networks has awarded a four year asset management framework to NM Group to assist in reducing the risk of power cuts being caused by trees and other vegetation affecting overhead power lines. NM Group will provide accurate structure modelling and clearance risk analytics for over 700,000 poles and towers and will use LiDAR technology to accurately map over 45,000 km of overhead network in the South East and East of England.

Employing innovative techniques, NM Group will provide a 3D asset management platform allowing UK Power Networks’ engineers to identify vegetation risks within a digital environment. Creating a 3D network means decisions on where to target tree trimming programmes can be efficiently made from the desktop, avoiding the costs and potential hazards of site visits, which also often require landowner involvement.

NM Group’s CEO, Kevin Jacobs commented on the project “We are delighted to have been selected for this this long term framework. I look forward to helping UKPN further develop their vision of a virtual asset management system and in assisting them to maximise its value through the lifetime of the project”.

Ian Draper at UK Power Networks added “Based on our previous experiences and initial LiDAR projects, we are very pleased to be able to award this competitively tendered contract to NM Group. The inclusion of 3D visualisation technology enables us to better judge the damage risk to our network from trees and other vegetation, and help us to manage our contractors more effectively. This will assist in realising significant cost savings and further improve the reliability of power supplies for our customers. We look forward to continuing our collaborative work with NM Group and developing further innovations”.