Construction activity and Covid-19
As an owner and operator of critical national infrastructure, we at National Grid know that millions of people are relying on us, now more than ever, to keep the lights on and the gas flowing. We have hundreds of engineers working hard to ensure energy can be supplied safely and efficiently to hospitals, schools, businesses and homes across the country.
That’s why, in the current environment, many roles across our business have been designated as ‘key worker’ roles by the government. When you flick on the lights later, turn on the TV, or prepare dinner, it’s the jobs that our people are carrying out today and every day that make that happen.
The Hinkley Connection Project is a key part of the national infrastructure. These are works that need to take place today to ensure the future running of the network. Together with our contractors, we are continuing to progress with the critical elements of the project, in line with current Government guidance on construction activity.
Work on site has been significantly reduced and we have introduced stringent site operating procedures to protect not just our workforce, but also their colleagues, families and the communities in which they’re operating. We have, for example, restricted travel between our sites and removed skin contact entry systems, such as fingerprint scanners. To meet social distancing requirements, we are installing additional handwashing facilities and welfare cabins.
We are very grateful to our people who are continuing to go out to work every day and to the local communities for their support and enabling us to go out to work every day to keep the energy networks running at such a critical time for our country.
We are keeping the situation under constant review. We are in regular contact with government to ensure the decisions we are making are in the best interests of our people as well as the country as a whole.
While public meetings and briefings are currently postponed, we remain committed to open and transparent communications with all our stakeholders on this project. This project website will be kept up to date and is the ‘go to’ place for current construction activities and our community relations helpline (0800 377 7347) remains open 24/7 to answer any questions. All meetings will be rearranged as soon as the risk of COVID-19 passes.
Read more about how National Grid is responding to Coronavirus
