United Utilities Water Limited has launched PRO005070, a multi-supplier framework agreement for the supply of Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS). This is a significant utilities-sector framework opportunity linked to United Utilities’ wider power resilience activity across operational water and wastewater sites. For suppliers with proven capability in battery storage systems, electrical integration and resilience-focused energy infrastructure, this is a framework worth close attention.
What is the PRO005070 BESS framework?
This procurement is not a single contract. It is a multi-supplier framework agreement, which means United Utilities intends to appoint a number of approved suppliers to support future requirements for battery energy storage solutions over the life of the framework. That structure is important because it creates an ongoing route to market, with future work likely awarded through framework mechanisms rather than a one-off appointment.
The opportunity is closely tied to United Utilities’ resilience plans. Publicly available procurement information shows United Utilities has already been procuring BESS to support its AMP8 Power Resilience programme, which indicates a clear operational need for battery storage at critical infrastructure sites. That makes this framework particularly relevant to suppliers able to demonstrate experience in reliable, utility-grade energy storage solutions rather than general M&E capability alone.
Why this framework matters for suppliers
The key attraction here is the combination of framework structure, sector relevance and long-term utility demand. Battery storage is becoming increasingly important to resilience, flexibility and decarbonisation across infrastructure-heavy sectors, and UK battery deployment more broadly continues to grow rapidly. For suppliers, a framework with a major water company offers the chance to position for repeat opportunities in an area that is commercially and strategically significant.
This opportunity is most relevant to suppliers with direct capability in BESS design, supply, integration, controls, performance assurance and related electrical infrastructure. The original draft positioned the opportunity a little too broadly around heating, plumbing and air conditioning trades. In practice, the strongest fit is with battery storage specialists, power resilience suppliers, electrical infrastructure contractors and firms that understand critical operational environments such as utilities, industrial sites or major infrastructure estates.
Quick facts
- Reference: PRO005070
- Authority: United Utilities Water Limited
- Opportunity: Supply of Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS)
- Type: Multi-supplier framework agreement
- Estimated value: approximately £40 million to £48 million including VAT, depending on source summary
- Term: up to 8 years
- Sector focus: Battery energy storage for operational water and wastewater infrastructure
Key dates
- Current status: live tender / active framework opportunity
- Submission deadline: suppliers should confirm this in the official Find a Tender notice and procurement documents
How suppliers should prepare
- Keep the framework angle clear: This is a multi-supplier framework agreement, so bids should show not only technical capability but also readiness to operate successfully within an ongoing framework structure.
- Lead with direct BESS experience: The strongest responses will focus on battery energy storage delivery, system reliability, integration, safety and resilience in critical operational settings.
- Show utility or infrastructure understanding: Experience in water, energy, industrial or similarly regulated environments is likely to carry more weight than generic building-services examples.
- Review the technical documents carefully: Suppliers should use the tender pack as the definitive source for scope, evaluation, compliance requirements and any framework call-off mechanics.
- Consider partnerships where they add value: If the framework covers a mix of equipment, integration and support services, alliances can strengthen coverage, but only where roles are clear and credible.
What suppliers should do next
PRO005070 is an important BESS framework agreement for suppliers targeting resilient infrastructure and utility-sector energy solutions. The opportunity is strongest for firms with relevant battery storage and electrical integration expertise, and the framework model means successful appointment could support future work across United Utilities’ operational estate over a sustained period. Suppliers should now review the official notice and full procurement documents in detail, confirm timescales, and make sure the response is built around BESS capability rather than generic mechanical or FM language.
If this framework is relevant to your business, Thornton & Lowe can help you sharpen your bid strategy, position your technical evidence and prepare a stronger response for this specialist framework opportunity.
