Teamwork is key for overhead repair

At the start of the year, in the middle of a cold weather snap, the Morrison Energy Services team was called to assist National Grid in an urgent repair to overhead power lines, which had broken and come to ground in a field. A Transmission Networks site team and 18 Linesmen, plus others, successfully managed to get the complex repair completed within four days.

When the team arrived on site, they found the Top Outer Conductor was lying near the bridleway below. Following an emergency planning meeting to assess the situation, the first challenge was to make the area safe and arrange for 24/7 security around the repair site. The team then widened the gateway and track to the field where the pylons and overhead lines were located to move equipment on site. This involved working with the landowner and obtaining the relevant permits to undertake the works at short notice and close the road while the repair took place.

Within the first 24 hours, the design team had drawn up plans for the repair, the pylon had been prepared for maintenance, the line had been earthed and inspected, and the conductor cleared from the bridleway. Materials were then ordered, ready for the repair to be made.

The following day, a drone was sent up to make further assessments and further drawings were created for the installation. The site was then prepared so that the Linesmen could complete the repair the following day, as planned, before the electricity circuit was re-energised.

The repair was made safely in minimal time so that the electricity supply could be restored to customers as quickly as possible.

Ian Bottomer, Network Manager at National Grid, said: “Thank you for an amazing turnaround on the 4VK fault. Please pass on my and the Transmission Network Control Centre’s thanks to all involved. It’s taken a lot of pressure off the system getting it back so quickly, which is great news for our customers.”

This is a great example of teamwork at its best. Well done to everyone involved in the repair and restoring electricity to customers.

 

 

 

Back to all.