National Grid's role and responsibilities

Our business

National Grid is an international energy infrastructure business. Amongst other activities we operate the national electricity transmission network across Great Britain and own and maintain the network in England and Wales.

We provide electricity supplies from generating stations to local distribution companies.  We do not distribute electricity to individual premises ourselves. Our role in the wholesale market is vital for ensuring a reliable, secure and quality supply to all. 

As the only company in England and Wales licensed to transmit electricity, National Grid has a statutory duty under the Electricity Act 1989 to develop and maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electrical transmission.

We also have a duty to facilitate competition in the supply and generation of electricity and must offer a connection to any proposed generator, major industry or distribution network operator who wishes to generate electricity or requires a high voltage electricity supply. 

Often, proposals for new electricity projects involve projects such as installing new overhead lines or development at substations. Often, we also need to execute major works at our existing substations to meet changing patterns of generation and supply.

Environment and community

Under Section 38 of the Electricity Act 1989, National Grid has a duty, when putting forward proposals for new development, to consider the preservation of amenity – the natural environment, cultural heritage, landscape and visual quality.

We must also consider the impact of our works on communities, such as the potential effects of noise and disturbance from construction. Our Schedule 9 Statement currently sets out how we propose to meet this obligation.

With the advent of the Planning Act 2008, we are proposing to incorporate our existing Schedule 9 duty, together with new commitments to stakeholder and community engagement, into our ‘Stakeholder, Community and Amenity Policy’.  We invited comments on this proposed policy and are now considering these, with the intention of publishing the final document later in 2009.

 

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