National Grid UK is procuring a Pole Planting Framework for services across the East and West Midlands, South West England and South Wales. The framework is divided into four regional lots and is valued at £216 million excluding VAT, or £259.2 million including VAT.
The tender is open, with submissions due by 12pm on 14 October 2026. Suppliers that did not respond to the earlier planned procurement notice must complete the expression-of-interest and SAP Ariba onboarding process to receive the tender documents.
More than pole installation
The framework title is narrower than the full operational scope. The works may include:
- plant, machinery and operatives for excavation and standing wood poles and stays;
- transport of transformers, switchgear, poles and other materials;
- erection, dismantling and disposal of redundant equipment;
- trenching, installation, repair and testing of earthing systems;
- service cable installation and construction of joint bays;
- work on low-voltage, high-voltage and extra-high-voltage networks;
- public highway excavation and reinstatement; and
- 24-hour emergency response, including weather-related events.
Suppliers therefore need to assess the complete work package rather than focusing only on excavation and the physical standing of poles.
Value, term and regional delivery
National Grid states that it spends approximately £27 million per year on pole planting services across the relevant areas. This is indicative and there is no guaranteed volume under the framework.
The initial term is five years, with three optional one-year extensions. The maximum term is eight years, from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2035.
The regional lot structure means bidders must demonstrate practical service coverage, not simply a general UK footprint. The response should explain where labour, plant, supervision and emergency resources will be based and how travel or mobilisation risk will be controlled.
Competitive flexible procedure
National Grid is using a competitive flexible procedure. The anticipated stages are:
- pre-qualification;
- shortlisting and invitation to tender or request for proposal;
- negotiations with shortlisted suppliers; and
- award.
The tender documents are being issued through SAP Ariba to suppliers that express interest. The procurement is expected to assess technical quality at 70% and commercial factors at 30%, although the detailed criteria should be confirmed in the ITT or RFP documents.
Key evidence for bidders
A strong response should connect network competence with dependable regional operations. Evidence may need to cover:
- safe delivery on electricity distribution networks at the relevant voltages;
- competent people, authorisations, supervision and training;
- plant, excavation, lifting and temporary works controls;
- transport, storage and handling of poles, transformers and switchgear;
- street works, reinstatement and coordination with traffic management providers;
- emergency response availability and escalation arrangements;
- environmental management, waste and landowner liaison;
- quality inspection, testing, records and handover; and
- continuity planning for peaks, storms and supply chain disruption.
Claims about 24-hour coverage should be supported by resource levels, locations, response processes and previous performance data.
Commercial and quality alignment
With technical factors carrying the larger weighting, bidders need detailed, contract-specific method statements. However, the proposed delivery model must also be affordable and consistent with the commercial submission.
Our utilities tender support helps suppliers coordinate technical, operational and commercial contributors and complete structured reviews before submission.
Dates and official notice
- Tender documents issued to interested suppliers: from 29 July 2026.
- Tender submission deadline: 14 October 2026 at 12pm.
- Estimated award decision: 7 December 2026.
- Estimated framework start: 1 February 2027.
Read the National Grid Pole Planting Framework notice and complete the EOI and SAP Ariba onboarding form where required.
Develop a credible regional submission
Thornton & Lowe can support pre-qualification, response planning, technical writing and review for one or more regional lots.
Speak to our team about preparing for the National Grid procurement.
