Can Avineon Tensing deliver large-scale network digitisation programmes for UK utilities

es. Avineon Tensing has a proven track record of delivering industrial-scale network digitisation for UK Distribution Network Operators. We successfully delivered the full vectorisation of UK Power Networks' Eastern Power Networks (EPN) region - 485 batches across 10 operational areas covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex - converting 85% of legacy raster records into structured, topologically accurate vector data. The entire programme was delivered on schedule between 2022 and 2025.

What quality standards does Avineon Tensing achieve on vectorisation projects?

We set an exceptionally high bar. On the UKPN EPN programme, 484 out of 485 batches passed Automated Quality Assurance (AQA) a 99.7% acceptance rate at the 97.5% quality threshold. All work is delivered in compliance with ISO 9001 and validated through a Variant Database (VRDB) before loading into live production environments. This near-perfect record is not an anomaly; it reflects the rigorous quality controls built into every stage of our delivery process.

ow quickly can Avineon Tensing scale up a geospatial delivery team?

Avineon Tensing can rapidly mobilise large, specialist teams through our 'One Team' global delivery model. For the UKPN programme, we deployed over 300 geospatial specialists across our UK operations and our offshore centre of excellence, Avineon India Private Ltd (AIPL). This model enables round-the-clock delivery cycles, accelerating throughput without compromising quality. We have the capacity to scale teams up or down to match programme demands, making us ideally suited to time-critical, high-volume digitisation programmes.

Does Avineon Tensing work with Smallworld GIS and other utility GIS platforms?

Yes. Avineon Tensing has expertise in GE Smallworld migrations which is the primary GIS platform used by UK Distribution Network Operators. On the UKPN EPN programme, we delivered fully validated vector data directly into Smallworld NetMAP via a Variant Database (VRDB) pipeline, with zero risk to live operational systems. Our technology stack also includes PostGIS, FME, and other industry-standard geospatial tools, allowing us to integrate with virtually any utility GIS environment.

How does Avineon Tensing ensure digitisation projects don't disrupt live utility operations?

Protecting operational systems is fundamental to our delivery approach. All vectorised data passes through a multi-stage validation pipeline, including automated quality assurance (AQA) and a Variant Database (VRDB) staging environment, before it is loaded into the live GIS. On the UKPN programme, our technical leads were embedded directly within the client's team, ensuring rapid query resolution and continuous alignment with the Data Capture Specification. This embedded partnership model means issues are caught and resolved before they ever reach production.

Can Avineon Tensing help DNOs meet their RIIO-ED2 data quality obligations?

Absolutely. Our EPN vectorisation programme for UK Power Networks was delivered specifically to support RIIO-ED2 regulatory commitments around data quality and accessibility. By converting legacy raster records into structured, searchable vector data, we enable DNOs to demonstrate compliance with Ofgem's requirements for improved asset data. The digitised data also provides the foundation for advanced network modelling, capacity planning, and the safe connection of low-carbon technologies — all priorities under RIIO-ED2.

What types of network assets can Avineon Tensing digitise?

We digitise the complete hierarchy of electricity distribution network assets. On the UKPN EPN programme, this included primary substations, HV and LV feeders, distribution substations, transformers, switches, circuit breakers, joints, service cables, and all associated connectivity. Every asset is captured as part of a topologically connected network model, meaning load can be traced accurately from the substation to the individual customer. This level of detail goes far beyond simple data capture - it delivers a fully functional digital twin of the physical network.

Why should a Distribution Network Operator choose Avineon Tensing over other providers?

Three things set us apart. First, proven delivery at scale: we have completed the full vectorisation of UK Power Networks' EPN region — 485 batches, 100% accepted — with a 99.7% AQA pass rate. Second, our global delivery model gives us access to over 300 geospatial specialists who can be mobilised rapidly, enabling round-the-clock throughput that smaller providers cannot match. Third, we don't just deliver data — we embed our experts within client teams, building a true partnership that ensures quality, transparency, and alignment from day one through to final acceptance.

How does Avineon Tensing support the UK's Net Zero energy transition?

The energy transition depends on accurate, accessible network data. By converting legacy raster records into structured vector data, Avineon Tensing provides DNOs with the digital foundation needed to model grid capacity, plan reinforcement, and safely connect low-carbon technologies such as EV chargers, heat pumps, and battery storage. Our work on the UKPN EPN programme directly enables smarter, data-driven decision-making across the East of England — replacing reactive, paper-based processes with proactive network management that supports the UK's path to Net Zero.

Does Avineon Tensing have experience working with UK Power Networks?

Yes. Avineon Tensing has a deep, established partnership with UK Power Networks, one of the UK's largest Distribution Network Operators serving approximately 8.4 million customers. We successfully delivered the complete digitisation of the Eastern Power Networks (EPN) region between 2022 and 2025 as part of Project Datum. This multi-year programme demonstrates our ability to sustain high-quality delivery over extended periods, working as a trusted partner embedded within the client's organisation.

Delivering the EPN Network Digitisation Programme for UK Power…

In a major digital transformation programme, Avineon Tensing successfully delivered the full vectorisation of the Eastern Power Networks (EPN) asset register for UK Power Networks. This programme addressed a critical data gap by converting vast archives of legacy raster records into a fully connected, topologically accurate digital representation of the electricity distribution network. By digitising the full hierarchy of EHV, high voltage (HV), low voltage (LV) and house connection assets, we have provided UKPN with the foundational data needed to support Net Zero targets, RIIO-ED2 regulatory commitments, and the safe connection of low-carbon technologies across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex.

UK Power Networks (UKPN) owns and maintains the electricity cables and lines across London, the South East and East of England, serving approximately 8.4 million customers. As a Distribution Network Operator (DNO), they face the critical challenge of modernising their grid to handle the demands of electrification, electric vehicles and heat pumps. This transition requires precise, accessible location data for every asset in the ground: from primary substations to individual service cables.

The Challenge: The Raster Gap

While UK Power Networks manages one of the UK's most extensive distribution grids, a significant portion of its historical network records (approximately 85%) existed only in raster formats.

Static Data: Critical asset information was trapped in scanned images, paper maps, and microfiche, dating back over a century.
Operational Risk: To understand network connectivity or plan new connections, engineers had to manually interpret static drawings. This process was slow, unsearchable, and relied heavily on tacit knowledge.
Net Zero Barrier: Modern smart grid systems require intelligent, vectorised data to model load flows and capacity. Static images cannot support the advanced analytics needed for the energy transition.

The goal was to close this gap: to convert these legacy records into a structured, topologically accurate geospatial database, compatible with UKPN's Smallworld NetMAP GIS, without disrupting daily operations.

The Solution: Global Collaboration at Scale

Avineon Tensing approached this programme not just as a data conversion task, but as a complex, multi-year delivery requiring industrial-scale resources and close partnership.

One Team, Global Delivery
We mobilised a dedicated team of over 300 geospatial specialists, bringing together the combined strength of Avineon Tensing (UK) and our offshore centre of excellence, Avineon India Private Ltd (AIPL). This One Team model ensured continuous delivery, with round-the-clock operational cycles accelerating throughput while maintaining strict quality control.

Embedded Partnership with UKPN
Success relied on deep integration with the client. Our technical leads worked side-by-side with the UKPN Technical Team, ensuring rapid resolution of queries and continuous alignment with the strict Data Capture Specification. By embedding our experts directly into UKPN's workflows, we built a culture of transparency and shared ownership over the life of the programme.

Complete Asset Digitisation
Our global team systematically digitised the entire hierarchy of network assets across the EPN region:

EHV, HV & LV Networks: Capturing primary substations, feeders, distribution substations, transformers, switches, circuit breakers, and service cables.
Digital Connectivity: Building a connected network model where every cable, joint, and transformer is topologically linked, enabling accurate load tracing from the substation to the customer. This included house connections from raster map records.
Data Integrity: All data was validated through a Variant Database (VRDB) based on Smallworld technology before being loaded into the live NetMAP environment, ensuring zero risk to operational systems.

Quality That Speaks for Itself
Of the 485 batches delivered, 484 passed manual Quality Assurance checks with the acceptance quality limit (AQA) at 97.5%. This near-perfect record is evidence of the rigour built into every step of our process, from initial digitisation through to final delivery, all in compliance with ISO 9001 Quality Standards.

The Results: A Digital Foundation for the Future

The EPN network digitisation stream is now fully verified and accepted, delivering a high-fidelity digital asset across all 10 operational areas: Kings Lynn, Norwich, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds/Ipswich, Colchester, Borehamwood, Hemel Hempstead, Lea Valley, Purfleet/Southend, and Stevenage.

The interactive map below shows the coverage of all 485 batches across the EPN region.

Fully Delivered & Accepted: All 485 batches across the Eastern region verified and signed off.

Smarter Operations: Engineers now have instant, digital access to asset data, replacing manual searches of static images.

Net Zero Ready: The structured data supports advanced modelling for low-carbon technologies, such as assessing grid capacity for new EV chargers and heat pump installations.

Regulatory Compliance: The project directly supports UKPN's RIIO-ED2 commitments to improve data quality and accessibility.

By successfully digitising the EPN region, Avineon Tensing has provided UKPN with a critical digital foundation. This clean, vectorised network model changes how the grid is managed: moving from reactive, paper-based processes to proactive, data-driven decision making across Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire.