Since January 2022, we’ve been improving a 12km stretch of overhead power line between Cowley substation and Didcot power station in Oxfordshire.
We completed this upgrade work in July 2022, except for some reinstatement works along parts of the line and at our Didcot site. The reinstatement work, in consultation with landowners, is to return land or access points back to how we found them and will not impact local people.
This essential scheme was carried out to keep the transmission network in first-class working order and help to meet future electricity demand. Our work represents a substantial investment in the region’s power network.
Our contractor, Balfour Beatty, has installed new conductors, earthwire, insulators and other fittings between the pylons, and the line’s power supply is operational again. We also refurbished a section of overhead line at Culham Jet Science Park.
We completed this work on time and the affected public rights of way (including footpaths, bridleways and a Sustrans cycle path) are open again.
Further enquiries
National Grid's Community Grant Programme
Due to the very nature of what we do – connecting people to the energy we all use – we’re at the heart of communities and each year we make a significant charitable investment in the UK. Our Community Grant Programme is aimed at community organisations and charities in areas where we impact local people through our essential works. We fund projects run by charities and community groups that meet local community needs by providing a range of social, economic and environmental benefits. If projects meet our criteria grants of up to £10,000 can be applied for.
Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis.
More about our Community Grant Programme