NIA SSEN 0082 Lancet

Key Activities

Currently, PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyl) testing in Pole Mounted Transformers (PMTs) requires an outage for oil sampling, and potentially a second outage for replacement of the transformer. This approach increases disruption for our customers, cost, and environmental risk. With over 16,500 PMTs having been classified low-risk (Green) for contamination, still in service and PCB obligations continuing, future interventions must be more efficient and cost-effective across the SSEN network. This project will develop, certify, and integrate the Lancet tool, enabling safe oil sampling from energised PMTs without an outage. The project will deliver qualification testing, compliance certification, and a manufacturing plan for scale-up of Lancet. Lancet will accelerate testing, minimise outages, ensure targeted replacement of PMTs, and support environmental compliance, ensuring long-term resilience and cost savings for Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) while meeting regulatory obligations.

Expected Outcomes

• Validate tool design and performance under live-line conditions
• Achieve certification for operational use.
• Develop procedures and training for future roll out and potential adoption by other DNOs.
• Support compliance with environmental legislation beyond 2025.

Project Budget

£100,200

Start/End Date

February 2026 – July 2026

Project Manager

Rob Britton

Additional Resource

NIA SSEN 0082 : Lancet : ENA Smarter Networks Portal