National Grid has welcomed the announcement today (12/9/11) from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) that the independent study into the comparative costs of new high voltage overhead and underground power circuits will be published at the end of 2011. The study is being undertaken by Parsons Brinckerhoff in association with Cable Consulting International.

The IET announcement can be found at http://www.theiet.org/about/media-centre/press-releases/20110911.cfm

Nick Winser, National Grid's UK Executive Director, said:

"In order to meet the government's energy and climate vision, National Grid has the huge challenge of connecting new power sources to homes and businesses across the country.

"This authoritative and independent study will be an important contribution to the decisions society must make on this vital new infrastructure, balancing visual impact with affordability for bill-payers. We examine each individual project on a case by case basis, consulting with communities and with no inherent preference for any single approach. This new research will provide important evidence to help inform these decisions.

"National Grid will continue to provide full cooperation to ensure this independent study is successful. We hope that the new approach will ensure Parsons Brinckerhoff and Cable Consulting International now get the same high level of cooperation from other organisations."

-ENDS-

Media contacts: National Grid press office on 01926 656536.

Notes to Editors: National Grid's submission to KEMA for the earlier stage of the project can be found at: http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Electricity/UndergroundingConsultation/Documents/ (penultimate section of the links).