UK, England / Wales: National Grid has put forward a package of investment proposals to Ofgem under its “re-openers” process, aiming to support upgrades across Britain’s electricity transmission network. The plans are designed to help deliver a more secure, affordable and cleaner energy system.
A total of 25 submissions have been made covering reinforcement and upgrade projects across England and Wales. Together, these initiatives represent around $6 B (£4.5 B) of planned investment in the transmission network.
The proposals build on the RIIO-T3 price control agreement with Ofgem, which set baseline investment levels, and form part of National Grid’s wider ambition to invest $94 B (£70 B) across its UK and US networks over the next five years.
The re-openers mechanism allows companies to seek approval for additional investment when network requirements change beyond original forecasts. It provides a route for timely development of essential infrastructure as energy needs evolve.
The submitted portfolio includes connections for new low-carbon generation, major industrial users and data centres, alongside upgrades aimed at strengthening network resilience to meet increasing electricity demand.
According to National Grid, the investment would support economic growth, improve energy security and help deliver cleaner power, while aiming to keep long-term costs down through efficient network expansion.
Ofgem will now review and consult on the proposals before deciding whether funding approval should be granted.
National Grid Electricity Transmission Regulation Director Rob Salter-Church said: “Britain’s energy system is changing rapidly, and the transmission network must keep pace. These submissions set out the investment needed to expand capacity, maintain resilience and support future growth, while enabling the delivery of secure, affordable and cleaner energy.”
Source: National Grid
