Ipsum secures overhead line (OHL) framework with Southern Electric Power Distribution 

Ipsum has been awarded a new five-year framework contract with Southern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD) to deliver OHL services across its 33kV distribution network, with an opportunity to extend for a further three years.

The contract covers the Ridgeway Lot 2 region, including Bicester, Oxford, Swindon, Marlborough and surrounding areas, and marks a significant milestone in Ipsum’s continued expansion within the UK electricity distribution sector.

The award comes at a time of sustained investment across the UK electricity distribution sector, as DNOs accelerate reinforcement and modernisation programmes to support electrification, increased network demand and resilience against extreme weather events. Under Ofgem’s RIIO-ED2 price control period, operators are prioritising upgrades to overhead line infrastructure, automation, and fault response capability to improve reliability and support the transition to net zero.

Under the framework, Ipsum will deliver the full lifecycle of OHL services up to 33kV, including construction, maintenance, refurbishment and dismantlement of wood pole infrastructure across LV, 11kV and 33kV networks. The scope also includes associated enabling works such as underground cable installation, jointing, traffic management, excavation and reinstatement.

In addition, Ipsum will provide emergency response capability to support network resilience during severe weather events, ensuring rapid mobilisation of specialist resources to restore critical infrastructure safely and efficiently.

With a national operating footprint across the UK, Ipsum is well positioned to deliver complex infrastructure works at scale across both urban and rural environments. This geographic reach, combined with established delivery capability, enables consistent execution across diverse operational conditions and network challenges.

Lee Maxwell, Managing Director of Power at Ipsum said: “This framework award with Southern Electric Power Distribution represents a significant milestone in the continued development of our Power division and further strengthens our position within the UK electricity distribution sector. It builds on the work we have already successfully delivered across the electricity distribution network and is a testament to the hard work, capability and commitment of our teams. The award reflects both the strength of our national delivery model and our ability to consistently support DNOs in delivering essential infrastructure investment programmes. We look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with SEPD and to delivering safe, efficient and high-quality overhead line services across their network.”

Nigel Geraghty, National OHL Director at Ipsum, said: “This is a significant award for our Power division and a clear endorsement of our technical capability, operational discipline and delivery model. Securing our first framework with SEPD marks an important step in expanding our relationships within the UK distribution network sector.

“Our national footprint and resourcing model allow us to mobilise effectively at scale, whether delivering in complex urban environments or across remote infrastructure networks. This contract further strengthens our position as a trusted delivery partner for critical overhead line services, and we look forward to building a long-term relationship with SEPD while continuing to expand our presence across the sector.”

The agreement further enhances Ipsum’s position within the UK distribution network sector, building on its growing portfolio of overhead line frameworks and strengthening its long-term partnerships with key network operators. It also reinforces the Power division’s capability to support essential network resilience, upgrade ageing infrastructure, and deliver large-scale programmes critical to the transition towards a more electrified and low-carbon energy system.

Complementing its organic growth through new framework awards, Ipsum continues to strengthen its capabilities and service depth through targeted acquisitions within the power sector. The most recent acquisition of Rosh Engineering Ltd enhances the Group’s specialist high-voltage and transformer engineering offering, broadening its technical reach across critical grid assets. It will support the business to deliver more integrated end-to-end solutions across transmission and distribution networks, aligning with increased investment in network reinforcement, electrificationand resilience, and further reinforcing its position as a key delivery partner to DNOs and other energy infrastructure operators.