Case Study: UK Power Networks

UK Power Networks (UKPN) are an infrastructure provider delivering electricity to a large area of the southeast of the UK. Its operational sites number some 1200+ grids and primary’s, with smaller secondary substations and transformer sites numbering into the thousands. Taylor Technology Systems (TTS) have been the incumbent electronic security designer, installer and maintainer to UKPN since 2012, and following a competitive tender in February 2017, were successful in retaining the contract for a further 5 + 3 years.

TTS are responsible for the installation of electrical security systems across the UK Power Network operational estate, which entails the design, supply, installation, commission and maintenance of requisite infrastructure throughout the sites to enable the installation of and transmission of data from PIDS, IDS, CCTV AACS, Lighting, Auditable Challenges System, together with the overarching systems integration. TTS also maintain UKPN’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sites and, to enable this, have developed partnerships with Synergy Synectics and Gallaghers’ Electrical Fencing as approved channel partners.

In addition, TTS carry out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) for the security systems, including closed circuit television (CCTV) systems deployed on UK Power Networks Operational Estate, being primarily Substations, Tunnels and Tunnel access. This includes the provision of an emergency call out (reactive maintenance) service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The planned preventative maintenance visits require TTS to maintain Asset registers for sites scheduled for the planned maintenance visits, recording the type and condition of the equipment, plant and materials. TTS also check lighting systems for CCTV installations, and visually inspect and clean all major components including monitors, DVR, cabling and connections for deterioration or damage.