A TYNESIDE company has been awarded a contract to undertake a comprehensive study of the Greek transmission system as a precursor to the deregulation of the industry in Greece.

The £330,000 study was awarded to consulting engineers PB Power, based on Newcastle Business Park, and is currently at the interim report stage, with completion scheduled for October 2000.

The Newcastle-based project manager, Fred Carr, is leading a team of 12 senior specialists

Mr Carr said: "The aim of our review is to investigate all transmission-related areas and to recommend measures to enhance reliability, efficiency and security so that the Greek transmission system can match the performance of the best transmission companies in the international power and energy market."

The interconnected power system of Greece covers the mainland and some islands in the Ionian Sea.

Public Power Corporation of Greece ommissioned PB Power to perform a complete technical audit of its transmission structure and assets and a full review of operation and maintenance procedures and staffing.