<p>In a press release, National Grid commented that the six contracts would support planned work to connect new infrastructure, such as wind farms and other new generation plants. The UK's power grid operator added that the contracts would also support the replacement of existing assets to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the high-voltage electricity network. <br /><br />Nick Winser, National Grid executive director for transmission, said: We welcome the increasing diversity of energy sources across the UK. This significant investment demonstrates National Grid's commitment to maintaining a robust transmission network. It will also help secure clean, affordable energy for the long term.<br /><br />National Grid has awarded the contracts to six consortiums, each made up of 14 companies. The utility had initially announced its preferred partners in October 2006, but commented that, since then, it has worked with the partners on finalizing procurement and work programming processes, as well as developing designs and clarifying targets for 2007 and 2008. <br /><br />National Grid's contracts relate to overhead line and cables, and substations in various regions of England and Wales. The utility's partners include Areva for substations in the Southeast of England, and Siemens for substations in the North of England. <br /><br />According to Dow Jones International News, National Grid is permitted to spend GBP3.5 billion under Ofgem's transmission price control review. The publication reported Louise Farrell, National Grid's spokeswoman, as saying that the company is setting aside the remaining GBP1 billion to use for specialized contracts, including making tunnels for power cables.</p>
