UK Power Networks awards four year asset management framework to NM Group
UK Power Networks have awarded a four year framework to NM Group to reduce the risk of vegetation related outages and minimise operational expenditure. This major project requires accurate structure modelling and clearance risk analytics for over 700,000 poles and towers and will utilise LiDAR technology to accurately map the entire 45,000 km network in the South East of England.
Employing innovative technology, NM Group will provide a 3D asset management platform allowing utility users to pinpoint vegetation risks within a digital environment. Creating a 3D network means risk based decisions can be efficiently made from the desktop, avoiding the costs and potential hazards of site work.
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”.