17.06.14
LU selects suppliers for £250m power systems upgrade
A total of 17 suppliers have been selected for two eight-year power upgrade ‘frameworks’ as part of the £250m modernisation of London Underground’s (LU’s) power systems.
It is expected that the upgraded high voltage electrical systems will help support the extra services that are being introduced to meet rapidly growing passenger demand by providing smoother and more reliable journeys.
The frameworks cover the design, installation and commissioning of high voltage substations and 11kv and 22kv cable routing with a four-year break option.
LU is in the process of finalising the completion of the power upgrade needed for the Sub-Surface Railway, which comprises the modernisation of the Metropolitan, District, Hammersmith & City and Circle lines – around 40% of the network.
Planning is also under way to upgrade power supply systems on the Piccadilly line and other parts of the network.
David Hughes, director of major programmes sponsorship for LU, said: “We’ve embarked on the biggest programme of Tube modernisation ever seen.
“To do that we need to work with suppliers who can bring experience and flexibility to the task in hand, and who understand our vision to improve services for customers while providing a reliable service with as little disruption as possible.”
The 17 companies engaged across the two frameworks are:
- ABB Limited
- Alstom Transport UK Limited
- Balfour Beatty Engineering Services Limited
- C Spencer Limited
- Clancy Docwra Limited
- Data Techniques
- Giffen Group Limited
- High Voltage Maintenance Services Limited
- Industrial Switchgear Services Limited
- J Murphy & Sons Limited
- MJ Quinn Integrated Services Limited
- McNicholas Construction Services Limited
- Thorntask Limited
- TXM Group (Ombros Integrated Services)
- UK Power Networks Services (Commercial) Limited
- URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited
- Vital Human Resources Limited & Electren UK Limited
Mark Griffiths, Balfour Beatty managing director for Power Systems, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded these framework appointments and to have been recognised as first place contractor in seven out of the total nine framework lots awarded, putting us in prime place to bid for initial work. Our longstanding relationship with London Underground Limited, directly employed workforce and our in-house manufacturing facility give us the ability to provide a safer, cost effective delivery of electrification works for London’s tube network.”
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