66/132kv Cable Installation Framework
Framework Description
National Grid's 66/132kV Cable Installation Framework (reference WS5607093027) covers the full installation of 66kV, 132kV and lower-voltage underground cable circuits, with earth wires, continuity conductors and NGED telecom ducts, including jointing, testing and commissioning. Eight contractors were appointed in June 2026. The framework runs from 13 July 2026 to 12 July 2027, with an option to extend by 12 months to 12 July 2028.
Context & Use Case
Any company in the National Grid UK group can use it, including National Grid Electricity Transmission, National Grid Ventures and the four National Grid Electricity Distribution areas: East Midlands, West Midlands, South West and South Wales. Each route or project is tendered to the appointed contractors, so a small specialist field competes for each package.
Scope of Services
66kV and 132kV underground cable installation Lower-voltage cable circuits Earth wires and continuity conductors NGED telecom ducts Cable jointing, testing and commissioning
Lots
Single lot across 8 appointed contractors for 66kV/132kV cable installation and associated works
Who Can Apply
Suits specialist HV cable contractors with jointing teams and experience on distribution or transmission networks. The eight places were awarded in June 2026. The notice describes it as an open framework, but with a one-year term plus a possible extension, check the framework page before counting on a reopening; otherwise the next chance is the re-procurement.
Buyer Benefits
HV cable work needs scarce, authorised jointers and careful outage planning. A small panel of eight pre-assessed contractors gives National Grid known capacity for reinforcement and connection projects, consistent specifications and safety standards, and the ability to award packages quickly when outage windows are confirmed.
Next Steps
Appointed contractors should agree resourcing with National Grid project teams and price each route tender carefully. Others should read award notice 060907-2026 on Find a Tender to see which firms won, approach them about subcontract work, and build a record of 66kV and 132kV projects, jointing competence and safety data ahead of a re-procurement, which could come from mid-2027.
How Athena Can Help
If you hold one of the eight places, Athena's competitor scoring and pricing work helps you win more of the route packages National Grid tenders, with win themes focused on outage risk and jointing capacity.
If you missed out, we can plan your route back through our utility framework registration support, mapping when this and other network frameworks reopen. When the next competition arrives, our utilities tender support makes sure the submission is compliant, evidenced and priced to win.
