What’s the Problem?
Pilot cables are dedicated communication cables used within a network’s protection systems to enable the rapid detection and clearance of faults, helping to maintain network safety and reliability.
At present, Scottish Power Manweb (SPM) does not have a structured condition based risk management (CBRM) approach for pilot cable assets. These assets are not included within the industry standard Common Network Asset Indices Methodology (CNAIM) framework, which is otherwise used to assess asset condition and inform risk based investment decisions.
As a result, there is no consistent or systematic method to:
- Understand the current condition of pilot cables
- Assess how these assets deteriorate over time
- Prioritise pilot cables for maintenance, refurbishment or replacement.
This gap impacts planning, maintenance, and investment decision making across the SPM network where pilot cable condition or replacement needs to be evaluated. Currently, pilot cables are managed primarily through reactive maintenance, local engineering judgement, and historic fault experience, rather than through a formal, data led, risk based framework.
Without a structured approach, it is more challenging for SPM to plan effectively, justify investment, and transition towards a proactive asset management strategy. If this issue is not addressed, the risk of unexpected failures, inefficient replacement planning, and reduced network reliability will persist.
Preferred Output
SPM is seeking a structured, evidence-based CBRM framework for pilot cable assets. The preferred output is a practical and repeatable approach that gives clearer insight into pilot cable condition and supports more consistent, risk-based decision-making.
The framework should:
- Provide condition insight for pilot cable assets
- Support understanding of how pilot cables may deteriorate over time
- Generate quantifiable risk outputs to support assessment and comparison
- Objectively help prioritise maintenance and replacement activity
- Support investment justification
- Enable a transition to a more proactive lifecycle management approach.
Deadline
The deadline for this opportunity is 11.59pm on 24 July 2026. Please submit your proposal above.
Q&A Registration
The Q&A session for this opportunity will take place on 29 June 2026 at 9:30am. You can register by clicking the button at the top of this page, or directly below. Please pre-submit any questions for the Q&A by 5pm on 25 June 2026.