About the project
We are planning essential upgrades to Blyth Substation to connect new customers to our electricity network and meet future energy demand. To do this, we will extend the existing substation and build a new substation nearby. This investment will connect wind power generated in the North Sea and a major new development in the area, the Cambois data centre campus.
As a regulated business, we have a legal obligation to connect customers to the network when requested.
Upgrading Blyth Substation is an important part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations. This project will connect homes, businesses and public services in the North East to more secure, cleaner, and home-grown energy from more affordable sources. This investment also helps ensure there is sufficient capacity to connect new data centres, supporting economic growth and helping the UK remain competitive as demand for digital services grows.
Data centres are critical national infrastructure. They support cloud services, artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, financial services, healthcare, education and public services. As demand from data centres and digital infrastructure grows, The Great Grid Upgrade is strengthening the grid to help power possibilities for customers, communities and the wider economy.
We have now secured all consents for phase one of the Blyth Substation extension, and construction is due to start in winter 2026/27.
Alongside this, we are developing plans for phase two, which will involve building a new substation nearby to provide additional capacity to meet future electricity demand. We will share more information on this as the project progresses.
Investing in communities
National Grid has launched a public consultation to help shape the Blyth Substation Community Fund, which could provide up to £1.06 million in support for local communities. The consultation will run from Monday 9 November to Sunday 6 December 2026.
We want to hear from residents and community groups about their priorities, the types of projects they would like to see supported and where funding could make a difference.
Please complete our survey by Sunday 6 December 2026 to help us understand what matters most to you and how the funding can make a positive, lasting impact.
Complete your Community Fund survey here
Come and speak to our team
We will also be attending local events and holding an online webinar to hear your views, answer questions and discuss how the Fund could support your community.
Blyth Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 21 November 2026, 10am-6pm
Blyth Market Place, Blyth, NE24 1BW
East Bedlington Community Centre Christmas Fayre
Saturday 28 November 2026, 10am-3pm
16-17 Station Road, Bedlington Station, NE22 7JN
Online webinar
Tuesday 17 November, 6:30pm
Please visit our Community Fund or FAQs section for more information.
Explore the other tabs on this website to learn more about our plans and find out how to stay informed as the project progresses.