Falco secures long-term UK Power Networks contract extension

Utility services contractor Falco has been reappointed by UK Power Networks to continue delivering excavation and groundworks services supporting the maintenance and upgrade of underground electricity infrastructure across the South East, East of England and London.

The employee-owned business successfully retained the contract following a competitive procurement process involving more than 40 bidders. The agreement covers both planned works and emergency response services associated with network faults, small service connections and unmetered connection projects.

The renewed contract spans all three of UK Power Networks’ distribution areas – London Power Networks, Eastern Power Networks and Southern Power Networks – serving approximately 8.5 million homes and businesses across a network covering almost 30,000 square kilometres.

The agreement commenced in February 2026 and will run for an initial six-year term, with the potential for two additional one-year extensions.

Falco’s successful bid was assessed against criteria including cost, service quality and sustainability performance. According to the company, it achieved the highest overall score, with evaluators recognising its operational performance, health and safety standards, environmental initiatives and customer service record.

Commenting on the award, Falco founder and chairman Brendan Griffin said:

“I am delighted that we have been re-appointed to continue our work for UKPN.

“While our commitment to customer service and sustainability are aspects of our service that have stood out more recently, this achievement is largely built on the quality and consistency of the work our management and operational teams have delivered day in, day out to support and collaborate with UK Power Networks over the past 15 years”.

Falco has worked alongside UK Power Networks for more than a decade, supporting the electricity distributor's efforts to maintain reliable power supplies and respond to faults across its network.

Mark Simmons, Head of Powercare at UK Power Networks, said:

“Falco has been a long-standing and valued partner in helping us keep power flowing safely and reliably for the communities we serve.

“Their commitment to high-quality workmanship, responsiveness and continual improvement has consistently supported our operational teams across London, the South East and the East of England.

“We’re pleased to be renewing this relationship and look forward to continuing our work together to deliver safe, efficient and sustainable services."

The contract renewal also reflects Falco’s emphasis on health, safety and environmental performance. The company reports maintaining an accident frequency rate of zero over the last five years, supported by an extensive auditing and training programme. During the past year alone, nearly 1,500 site audits were undertaken, while more than 3,000 toolbox talks have been delivered since June 2025.

Sustainability formed a key part of the tender evaluation, with Falco continuing to pursue its goal of achieving net-zero operations by 2035. Initiatives introduced by the company include trials of electric excavators and other measures designed to reduce emissions associated with utility construction and maintenance activities.

The renewed agreement provides continuity for UK Power Networks as it continues to invest in maintaining and upgrading critical electricity infrastructure across some of the UK's most densely populated regions.