Prioritising supply infrastructure works using statistically based analyses

Like most other companies, London Underground is endeavouring to minimise its distribution network costs while providing the best possible service to its customers. In order to meet these aims, it is necessary to use the capital available to best effect. In London Underground´s case, the problems of prioritising capital expenditure are especially difficult because of the diverse nature of the potential projects, ranging from works which will immediately and directly improve service to large numbers of customers, through renewal of ageing infrastructure to works to improve safety. The techniques described here represent a useful set of tools to use when attempting to prioritise power infrastructure work. However, their application requires great care and the results that come from them need careful interpretation. In some cases the form of the results and the uses to which they are put are controversial, making it especially important that both method and application are checked and auditable