Introduction: Live Line working was initially introduced in the 1960s and actively utilised in the 1990s. This was a high profile project and an example of how an integrated Transmission Company can use innovative Transmission Owner techniques to deliver benefits to the System Operator. These benefits are primarily around minimising system outages to carry out work and system operator costs. Since the introduction of Live Line in the 1990s, the system has been less constrained and deadline access more easily available (hence the decline in use).

To enable the re-establishment of Live Line Working within National Grid, it has already been approved internally and discussions with OFGEM on this matter have been undertaken. This project develops Live Line working techniques and develops current knowledge as well as developing live line working equipment and rope access techniques.

Objectives:

The re-establishment of Live Line working within National Grid. 

Expected Benefits: The preliminary Investigation into the project has indicated a high likelihood of success due to evidence of successful implementation by other utilities around the world. This is further enhanced following National Grid’s representation on to the IEC and CIGRE International Live Line working groups (based on IFI project success to date).