SSEN Distribution releases £320m contract opportunities for the north of Scotland’s electricity network

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is changing the way it awards and manages large capital delivery projects, with the issuing of opportunities to tender for an estimated £320 million programme of investment and infrastructure development in the north of Scotland.

The investment will create greater network capacity, enable more connections and increase network resilience.

SSEN is working to deliver a net zero electricity system by 2035, and is already making the decisions to ensure its network is fully fit-for-purpose to enable the transition to net zero.

To aid in its delivery of this goal, SSEN is now seeking long-term, strategic partners to deliver the £320 million programme.

SSEN will award framework agreements based on geographical areas for underground cable works, substations and overhead line projects.

This approach will give a commitment to contract partners, which will help facilitate growth, and the development of locally-based workers, thus strengthening their own ability to deliver net zero projects.

This new framework agreement will play a significant part in making SSEN’s RIIO-ED2 commitments happen, while also driving the delivery of SSE Group’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme Plus (NZAP+) targets.

James Flanagan, SSEN Distribution’s director of procurement said: “We’re delighted to bring these new opportunities to the market.

“This represents a huge investment in the north of Scotland’s electricity network, but also in the supply chain, and the skilled workforce that will deliver it.

“This new way of working will deliver value for money for customers; it will deliver certainty and operational benefits for both us and our contract partners, and it will power us all to the net zero electricity system we’re committed to delivering.

“Our hope is that this new approach will attract the broadest range of companies to bid for the work.

“But the fact we’ve divided the licence area into smaller geographical zones means companies of all sizes have potential opportunities.”

Companies can visit www.sse.com/potential-suppliers to learn more.

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