First stage of Hinkley Point power line consultation draws to close

31/12/2009

National Grid is reminding people in the south west that they have until Friday 08 January to comment on the company’s plans to connect the proposed new power station at Hinkley Point C.

EDF Energy has asked National Grid to connect the new station which will be built adjacent to the existing station.  Studies have shown that the most efficient and economic method of making the connection will be a new 400,000 volt overhead line from Bridgwater to Seabank substation in Avonmouth. 

Extensive studies have identified two potential ‘route corridors’ – stretches of land in which the overhead line could be sited.  But before any decisions are made about the route the line will take, National Grid wants to hear the views of local residents.

National Grid major projects manager David Mercer said:  “The first phase of public consultation ends on January 8 and so we are encouraging people to give us their views before then.  The opinions of local people will play a vital role in the decisions we make.

‘This is not the end of public consultation.  Consultation on the route alignment will continue right up until National Grid makes an application for a Development Consent Order to the IPC in 2011.”

Members of the public can send their comments to National Grid by completing the project feedback form online at www.nationalgrid.com/hinkleyconnection, by email, freepost or by calling the community relations team on 0800 377 7347.

Ends

For further media information contact, Jane Taylor, National Grid Media Relations on 0121 333 3640

Notes to Editors:

The project e-mail is hinkleyconnection@uk.ngrid.com and responses by post should be addressed to Freepost RRKX/EBGK/XXHT, Hinkley C Connection Project Consultation Response, PO Box 5689, London W1A 4FG.

National Grid
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. We play a vital role in delivering gas and electricity to millions of people across Great Britain and northeastern US in an efficient, reliable and safe manner. We believe the power of action can play a major role in safeguarding our global environment for future generations and tackling the effects of climate change, providing all our customers with the highest standards of service through network investment and through our talented, diverse workforce.

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