Freedom secures £130m contract with SSEN Distribution to strengthen electricity network

April 10, 2025

Freedom, part of NG Bailey, has been awarded a major contract worth £130m by Scottish and Southern Electrical Networks (SSEN) Distribution, as part of its Large Capital Delivery Framework across the north of Scotland.

The contract will see Freedom carrying out projects across the Highlands and in Orkney, with work such as the renewal and reinforcement of SSEN’s network of wooden poles and overhead lines, upgrading and updating its substations and making improvements to the underground cable network.

All of the work being undertaken by Freedom and SSEN’s teams is designed to boost network resilience in the face of a more volatile climate, support the connection of low-carbon technologies and decarbonised industries, and increase reliability for every customer.

SSEN said that the partnership with Freedom will allow work to be planned in a more effective and efficient way, completing upgrades, connections and asset replacement at the same time, ultimately reducing the impact on customers.  

This latest win builds on Freedom’s extensive experience in building, maintaining, and renewing electricity infrastructure across the UK. Its industry-leading expertise includes the development of the innovative Point of Connection Mast (POC-MAST), which focuses on connecting new customers to existing high-voltage distribution networks.

Carl Clay, Managing Director, Freedom, said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to assist SSEN in upgrading the electrical infrastructure across the Highlands and in Orkney. This partnership underscores Freedom’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality and sustainable solutions that support critical infrastructure projects.

“By working closely with SSEN, we aim to bring our expertise, agility and collaborative approach to ensure the successful delivery of projects that drive energy resilience and support the communities they serve.

“This framework represents a significant step in our journey to build long-term partnerships that align with our values and commitment to operational excellence.”