High voltage electrical systems on the London Underground (LU) network are set to be modernised over the next eight years, with £250 million of investment that will enable LU to run more services for customers more smoothly and reliably.

A total of 17 suppliers have now been selected for two eight-year power upgrade 'frameworks' that run concurrently for the design, installation and commissioning of power networks.

Modern power systems will help support the extra services that are being introduced to meet rapidly growing passenger demand. LU is in the process of finalising the completion of the power upgrade needed for the Sub-Surface Railway upgrade, which comprises the modernisation of the Metropolitan, District, Hammersmith & City and Circle lines – around 40% of the network. Planning is now under way to upgrade power supply systems on the Piccadilly line and other parts of the network.

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David Hughes, Director of Major Programmes Sponsorship for LU, said: "We've embarked on the biggest programme of Tube modernisation ever seen. To do that we need to work with suppliers who can bring experience and flexibility to the task in hand, and who understand our vision to improve services for customers while providing a reliable service with as little disruption as possible."

The 17 companies engaged across the two frameworks are:

• ABB Limited

• Alstom Transport UK Limited

• Balfour Beatty Engineering Services Limited

• C Spencer Limited

• Clancy Docwra Limited

• Data Techniques

• Giffen Group Limited

• High Voltage Maintenance Services Limited

• Industrial Switchgear Services Limited

• J Murphy & Sons Limited

• MJ Quinn Integrated Services Limited

• McNicholas Construction Services Limited

• Thorntask Limited

• TXM Group (Ombros Integrated Services)

• UK Power Networks Services (Commercial) Limited

• URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited

• Vital Human Resources Limited & Electren UK Limited.

(CD/JP)