Last year, one of our specialist HV teams supported the Dunmanway Wind Farm project in Ireland, delivering Irish 110kV cable jointing, terminations and testing for Suir Engineering to enable completion of the ICPÔÇæapproved connection.
The project scope included installation of 110kV XLPE cable joints to UK and Irish HV standards, along with joint bay construction and cable preparation.
We delivered straight joints and crossÔÇæbonded configurations to support the longÔÇædistance EHV circuit design, covering all stages from sheath preparation and conductor crimping through to insulation rebuild and stress control.
Full 110kV HV testing was completed, with comprehensive ICP documentation provided to enable Suir Engineering to finalise the connection.
The project involved several notable challenges that shaped our delivery approach:
We applied a structured, qualityÔÇædriven approach to the delivery of the highÔÇævoltage jointing works, ensuring compliance, safety and programme certainty throughout.
Despite the complexity of the route and programme, the project was delivered to the highest technical and safety standards, achieving full compliance and a defectÔÇæfree handover.
Harriet has been a key member of the IES SHEQ team for nearly 4 years, working as a SHEQ Advisor, mainly across our Gas contracts. Although based at our Head Office in Manchester, Harriet regularly travels across the UK, helping to deliver our projects safely and efficiently.
We caught up with Harriet to hear more about what itÔÇÖs like to work as a SHEQ Advisor.
“My role is all about supporting project teams to plan and deliver works safely while staying compliant with our procedures and industry regulations,” Harriet explains. “Safety shouldnÔÇÖt be an add-on, it needs to be built into how the project is designed and delivered.ÔÇØ
Managing Complex Risks in Utilities
Work in utilities brings unique challenges, often involving high-risk environments including live roads, active gas infrastructure and heavy plant operations.
These are some of the key risks that Harriet spends her time helping project teams in understanding and managing these risks on site, with some of the biggest hazards being service strikes, lifting operations, excavations and exposure to hazardous substances. Managing these effectively comes down to thorough planning, close supervision and clear communication on site.
ÔÇ£If something isnÔÇÖt safe, the work stops. Safety has to come first, always.ÔÇØ
Collaboration at every stage
A large part of HarrietÔÇÖs day to day role involves reviewing RAMS during the planning stage before validating them on site. Ensuring that real conditions match whatÔÇÖs written on paper. Working closely with project managers, engineers and operational teams to embed safety into design, planning and execution.
ÔÇ£I take a proactive approach, itÔÇÖs really important that hazards are properly identified and that control measures are realistic and the workers on site fully understand for their own safety as well as those working around them and the public.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£We often find that site inspections and conversations with operators often reveal additional insights. These open conversations are key as people on the ground can often spot things early that we wouldnÔÇÖt have been able to predict in the planning process.ÔÇØ
Driving Performance Through Engagement
Harriet monitors safety performance through inspections, audits, incident reporting and weekly reviews with the wider SHEQ team. These processes help the team to identify trends and share their learnings across projects.
But beyond the systems and processes, culture plays a huge part.
ÔÇ£Being approachable and encouraging open conversation makes a big difference in promoting a positive safety culture. I focus on reinforcing that everyone has a role to play in maintaining a safe working environment. Recognising good practice and engaging operatives in discussions about safety helps build confidence across teams and contractors to raise any concerns.ÔÇØ
In her role Harriet supports consistent training for IES staff and subcontractors, from inductions and in house training to regular toolbox talks and specialist courses for high-risk activities such as lifting operations, confined spaces and service detection.
 
Measuring Success and Incident Prevention
Harriet and the team track a range of KPIs, including near misses, incident rates, observation reporting and corrective action completion, to build a clear picture of project safety performance.
A recent example highlights how proactive controls helped to significantly reduce the risk of underground service strikes: ÔÇ£To prevent and reduce the risk of service strikes, we introduced a trial of different C.A.T (Cable Avoidance Tool) models. This ensured site teams were confident and competent in using the equipment to accurately locate underground services. Enhanced training was also implemented, including EUSR Safe Digging Excavation Practices and EUSR Locate Utility Services (HSG47). Ongoing compliance is monitored through regular site audits and the review of C.A.T download data, providing assurance that the tools are being used correctly and consistently.ÔÇØ
Advice for Future Safety Professionals
For those starting out in health and safety, Harriet emphasises one thing above all: spend time on site.
“Understanding how work is actually carried out is essential,” she says. ÔÇ£Build strong relationships, ask questions and engage with the workforce. ThatÔÇÖs how you learn, and itÔÇÖs how you deliver advice thatÔÇÖs practical and effective.ÔÇØ
We look forward to hearing more from Harriet next time sheÔÇÖs out on site.
WeÔÇÖre delighted to announce that IES Utility Solutions has been shortlisted for the Water Industry Awards 2026, in the Drinking Water Initiative of the Year category for our work at Saxmundham with Northumbrian Water.
The shortlist recognises projects that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact in the delivery of drinking water services, and our work at Saxmundham is a strong example of how focused delivery and technical expertise can make a real difference.
Our submission showcases how we worked in partnership to address critical challenges, deliver resilient solutions, and improve outcomes for communities.
Read the full case study below to learn more about the job, the approach we took, and the results we achieved.
Collaboration delivering cleaner water for Saxmundham
We are delighted to share a project the team worked with Northumbrian Water Group on using Comprex® last year in Suffolk. This project showed how innovative the Comprex® Technology is and that it is the future of trenchless cleaning methods in a more sustainable and efficient way.
Scope:
Following past attempts to clean these mains using traditional flushing cleaning methods which were unsuccessful fort this stretch of main and a full mains replacement was going to be both a costly and more environmentally damaging option. IES Utility Solutions were brought in to use Comprex® trenchless, low carbon technology to remove the heavy deposits without chemicals, excavation or customer disruption; and manage the cleaning programme, site co-ordination, system setup and environmental controls.
Challenges:
During this project the team worked within some tight operational windows to minimise customer disruption.
There┬áwere┬áunexpected┬ácrossÔÇæconnections┬áwhich┬ácomplicated┬áthe┬áisolation for the cleaning to take place with minimal disruption to customers. However,┬áusing combined┬áexpertise┬áensured rapid problem solving without delaying the programme.
Approach:
Delivery relied on close collaboration between NWG, IES Utility Solutions and our specialist Comprex® team. Joint planning established:
Outcomes:
The result, all 9km of mains were safely cleaned across six nights with the turbidity reduces to below 2.5NU. There were no customer interruptions during the delivery, and supply resilience was maintained throughout.
Discolouration risks and customer contacts were dramatically reduced, restoring confidence for more than 15,000 customers.
Client Benefits: 
The initiative delivered several measurable financial, customer, operational and environmental benefits far beyond initial expectations.
Environmental and carbon benefits:
Financial and operational benefits:
Overall, the project delivered high-quality water, lower operational costs, reduced carbon┬áfootprint┬áand improved system resilience ÔÇö reinforcing the value of innovative, partnership-led solutions in the water industry.
As part of the Power division at IES Utility Solutions, our Overhead Line services cover the full asset lifecycle, from design and construction through to ongoing maintenance. We work across voltages from LV to 400kV, delivering solutions on both wooden pole and steel lattice tower systems.
Our teams help ensure reliable power transmission across all terrains, supporting the resilience and performance of the electricity network.
We caught up with Extra Mile Awards nominee Colin Donnelly, one of our Project Managers within the Power division who looks after some of the maintenance portfolio projects.
ÔÇ£Within our maintenance portfolio, the hazard rectification and defects programme plays a critical role in maintaining the safety, reliability and regulatory compliance of the overhead line network on behalf of Scottish Power Energy Networks across North Wales and the Dee Valley.ÔÇØ
The programme includes the installation and replacement of key safety and hazard signs such as Danger of Death (DOD) plates, anti-climbing devices (ACDs), Cable Guards and general compliance works across the network.
Colin said, ÔÇ£We currently, 20ÔÇô30 dedicated teams are deployed on the ground each day, to deliver the programme.ÔÇØ This results in a consistently high weekly output, driven by experienced operatives working efficiently to identify, manage and clear safetyÔÇæcritical concerns in a timely manner.
As with all of our projects at IES the hazards and defect rectification works are all carefully planned and issued to teams. Responsible for the day-to-day running of the programme, Colin coordinate multiple teams across North Wales and the Dee Valley, making sure everyone is deployed correctly each morning with the right work packs, access, and information to carry out the works safely and efficiently.
ÔÇ£I oversee the delivery side of the operation, ensuring works are planned properly, completed to the required standard, and aligned with programme targets. Throughout the day, I monitor team outputs, track progress, and adjust resources where needed to keep everything moving.ÔÇØ
Quality is a big focus, every defect is subject to a robust quality assurance process. ÔÇ£We review beforeÔÇæandÔÇæafter photos captured for each defect to confirm that all works meet the required technical specifications and safety standards. This approach provides full visibility and traceability, giving confidence that compliance has been achieved at each individual defect location.ÔÇØ said Colin.
If the teams on site come across any operational issues on site, Colin is there to support the teams ensuring that the communication is clear between those in the field, back office and the client.
Once teams complete works on site, and Colin and the team review the activity in real time and ensuring the correct costings are accurately applied. The works are then seamlessly handed over to the IES commercial team for final validation and payment, maintaining control and compliance at every stage of the process.
ÔÇ£As we now start to gear up for our move into Scotland, my focus is on making sure these same standards, processes, and communication channels are in place from day one to support a smooth and professional rollout.ÔÇØ
Combining the expertise of our skilled operatives on site with thorough planning and oversight from our project management and office teams, IES is able to identify, prioritise and resolve hazards efficiently, preventing defects from escalating and ensuring network safety is maintained.
We are looking forward to catching up with Colin and the team later on this year as the programme expands up North.
Having joined IES Utility Solutions at 17, Garron Donnelly is now a qualified overhead linesman after just 10 months working through our Apprenticeship programme. Garron was the youngest in his cohort, but quickly earned the respect of his peers and mentors through his work ethic, attitude and determination.  
GarronÔÇÖs journey to this point┬áhasnÔÇÖt┬ábeen easy;┬áafter being diagnosed with leukaemia just before his seventh birthday, he spent┬áover five years undergoing intensive┬átreatment at the ChildrenÔÇÖs Hospital in Belfast. At one point, the effects of his illness left him unable to walk, but Garron pushed through, teaching himself to walk again.┬áFollowing all his┬átreatments┬áand challenges that life through at him┬ábefore┬áeven┬ácompleting┬áschool, Garron┬áwent into┬áthe┬áworld of work┬álooking for a hands-on role┬áhe could get stuck into.┬á┬á
ÔÇ£After looking for a hands-on career with real progression, the IES apprenticeship stood out as a great opportunity for me to learn on the job whilst gaining recognised qualifications,ÔÇØ┬ásaid Garron.┬á
Since joining IES Garron has worked on a wide┬árange of┬álive┬áprojects┬áand has seen┬áfirst-hand the┬áimpact this has┬áon┬áthe public,┬áparticularly┬áduring restoration and fault response projects.┬áWhen asked what his favourite type of project was to work on,┬áhe┬áexplained:┬áÔÇ£I really enjoy working on the overhead┬áline┬áprojects, particularly if there is some complexity involved. I love the┬áproblem-solving┬áelement of them.ÔÇØ┬á┬á
ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs┬áa great feeling to now be┬áqualified.┬áThereÔÇÖs┬áa real sense of achievement after putting in the time and effort throughout┬áthe apprenticeship. It also brings more responsibility in my┬áday-to-day┬árole which has been┬áreally exciting┬áfor me.ÔÇØ┬á
ÔÇ£Garron is the kind of lad who just wants to be out there doing the work,ÔÇØ┬ásays Conor OÔÇÖNeill, Director of Power at IES.┬áÔÇ£He┬ádoesnÔÇÖt┬álook for attention. He just gives 100% every day ÔÇö and that attitude is rare, especially in someone so young.ÔÇØ┬á
When we asked what┬áadvice,┬áhe would give to┬áanyone considering becoming a linesman┬áGarron said:┬áÔÇ£Be prepared to work hard, stay focused on safety at all times, and take every opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues around you.ÔÇØ┬á┬á
He may not ask for recognition, but GarronÔÇÖs story deserves it. In a world full of noise,┬áheÔÇÖs┬áa reminder that real strength often comes from those who simply keep going ÔÇö not for praise, but because they believe in the value of resilience,┬áhumility┬áand heart. Having Garron as part of the IES team is a real privilege, and we look forward to seeing him continue to grow.┬á
As Storm Dave swept across the UK over the bank holiday weekend, it highlighted another excellent team effort from IES crews who stepped up to support communities affected by the storm.
Special thanks go to IES colleagues Carwyn Ellis and John Lawley, who, while inspecting lines in Hartford, Northwich, came across residents attempting to clear a large fallen tree blocking a busy road.
After ensuring everyone was safe, they stepped in to help, cutting the tree into manageable sections and coordinating local volunteers to clear the road efficiently and reopen it to traffic.
A local resident who was there over the weekend commended Carwyn and John saying, ÔÇ£Their work was precise, and efficient. The community spirit they demonstrated on behalf of IES Utilities was both unusual and truly commendable.ÔÇØ
This is a great example of the IES team putting their skills and knowledge to help the wider community. Giving up time over the bank holiday weekend to make sure that communities stayed connected.
We want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved. Your efforts truly embody the spirit of the IES promise, through collaboration, agility and service that drives our industry.
Working alongside Equans in Germany, we delivered specialist 220kV subsea and transition joining works for the Ostwind offshore transmission system, ensuring a secure power export from offshore generation to the German grid.
Scope
This project included the installation of subsea joints on offshore export cables, the construction of transition joints between subsea and land cable sections, and the execution of all jointing activities in line with OEM procedures and international HV standards. Providing support to the wider transmission installation and commissioning programme.
Challenges
One of the key elements of work was managing the complex interfaces between the subsea and land cable systems, as they demand flawless alignment and preparation to ensure the transition jointing happened smoothly. The team had to follow strict compliance with the NKT and OEM-specific jointing methodologies alongside elevated safety and quality requirements typical of German high-voltage transmission projects. ÔÇï
Approach
To carry out the highly skilled project we deployed our senior, fully certified jointers trained in 220ÔÇ»kV subsea and transition jointing.ÔÇï
Outcomes and benefits to the client
As a result our team completed a successful installation of all 220ÔÇ»kV subsea and transition joints, demonstrating our capability in delivering high-voltage works for major European grid projects.
IES Utilities Group is pleased to announce that, as of Q1 2026, its operating company IES Integral Energy Services will now trade under the new name IES Utility Solutions.
This change reflects the continued evolution and growth of the business, ensuring that our trading name more clearly represents the sectors in which we operate and the services we deliver across the UKÔÇÖs critical utility and multiÔÇæinfrastructure networks.
Why the change?
The updated name – IES Utility Solutions – provides a clearer and more accurate expression of our capabilities. It better communicates who we are, what we do, and the value we bring to clients across power, gas, water, telecoms and emerging infrastructure markets.
As our service offering has expanded, the previous name no longer fully represented the breadth of our work. The new name strengthens alignment between our brand and our technical delivery, helping clients, partners and stakeholders immediately understand the specialist utility engineering expertise we provide.
A positive step for our future
This name change supports our longÔÇæterm strategy:
While our name is changing, our commitment to highÔÇæquality delivery, safety, engineering excellence and trusted partnerships remains exactly the same.
A message of thanks
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our clients, partners and framework stakeholders across the sectors we serve. Your continued support has played an important role in our growth, and we look forward to strengthening those relationships as we move into this next chapter.
For further information or updated brand assets, please contact the IES Utilities Group Communications Team.
This month we successfully completed a complex infrastructure deconstruction project of a redundant gas pipework and bridge structure in Lincoln, spanning both the Network Rail lines and historic Foss Dyke Canal.  
Scope  
IES were appointed as the principal contractors, to deliver the deconstruction of the redundant gas pipework being supported by specialist subcontractors.   
Challenges  
Due to the nature of the sensitive location and complexity of infrastructure involved extensive pre-construction planning and stakeholder coordination was required.  
The team needed to secure approvals and permissions were required from multiple organisations including Environment Agency, Canal & River Trust and Network Rail prior to any work commencing on site.  
The planning stage involved significant collaboration to ensure all technical, environmental, and safety requirements were satisfied before the deconstruction began.  
Approach  
Once construction began, the works progressed smoothly,┬áthe IES team┬áwere┬ásupported by┬áTaziker┬áas specialist subcontractor,┬áwith all works taking place on a┬áSaturday ÔÇô Sunday night to┬áminimise┬ádisruption.┬á┬á
Through careful planning and strong communication between all parties, ensured that the works were delivered safely and efficiently, while maintaining strict controls around the railway and canal infrastructure. 
Outcomes  
Through effective collaboration and detailed planning, the project was completed safely and within the agreedÔÇ»programme.┬áSuccessfully removing redundant infrastructure while protecting surrounding assets and environments.ÔÇ»┬á
This projectÔÇ»demonstratesÔÇ»the importance of early stakeholder engagement, technicalÔÇ»expertise, and coordinated delivery when working within complex infrastructure environments.ÔÇ»┬á
WeÔÇÖre┬áproud to share that┬áweÔÇÖve┬ásuccessfully completed an┬áeight-month┬áremedial works programme at the Merkur Offshore Wind Farm, Germany ÔÇô one of the leading offshore wind providers in the German North Sea.
The project focused on strengthening the 33ÔÇ»kV cable system at the offshore substation, improving insulation coordination and transient overvoltage protection ÔÇö all delivered without any modifications to existing MV┬áGIS┬áor backup generator set transformers.
Scope
Flashovers were┬áobserved┬áduring switching operations at the 33ÔÇ»kV backup generator set transformers on the Merkur Offshore Substation.
These events┬áindicated┬áan elevated risk of transient┬áover voltages┬áaffecting the┬ámedium voltage┬ácable system, particularly at the interfaces with the┬á33ÔÇ»kV┬áshunt reactors┬álocated┬áin Rooms L201 and L202.
If left unaddressed, the condition presented a risk to system integrity, operational reliability, and equipment safety, with potential implications for unplanned outages and asset damage in a challenging offshore environment.
Approach & Challenges 
A targeted remedial solution was developed to improve insulation coordination and overvoltage protection without requiring modifications to the existing MV GIS or backup generator set transformers.
The scope of works included:
All works were executed offshore using CTV and helicopter access, carefully planned around weather constraints. Activities were delivered in full compliance with German electrical safety regulations, GWO certification requirements, and site-specific RAMS.
Strict safety controls were applied throughout, including full LOTO procedures, verification of dead systems, and earthing and short circuiting prior to work execution.
Following termination, the 33ÔÇ»kV cables were pressure tested using VLF at 3 ├ù UÔéÇ┬á(approximately 57ÔÇ»kV DC) for 60 minutes, with surge arresters temporarily disconnected. Testing confirmed the electrical integrity of the cable system.
Outcomes
The remedial works significantly reduced the risk of future flashovers, providing enhanced protection against transient over voltages at the shunt reactor interfaces and improving overall system resilience.
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