What is Carlisle to Newcastle?
National Grid is developing proposals to upgrade the electricity network between the North West and North East of England, from Carlisle to Newcastle.
Demand for electricity in the UK is increasing. The way we generate electricity is changing and more home-grown energy needs to connect to our network. We need to make sure the grid has the capacity to securely connect and transport these new sources of energy to homes and businesses where it is needed.
The Carlisle to Newcastle project is being designed to accommodate this increasing amount of home-grown renewable energy and to enhance the resilience and security of the electricity network across the North of England and beyond.
The project would contribute to The Great Grid Upgrade. The upgrade is the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations, ensuring the UK can successfully make the switch to renewable, home-grown and more affordable energy.
What stage are the proposals for Carlisle to Newcastle at?
Carlisle to Newcastle is in its early development and we are still exploring how this part of the network might be upgraded. Right now, we're looking at options and we haven’t yet decided where any infrastructure might go or what it could look like.
To help guide our thinking, we’re carrying out technical and environmental studies and engaging with technical stakeholders.
Next steps
We’re committed to working closely with local communities and organisations as we develop our plans and if new infrastructure is needed, we’ll make sure there’s a chance for everyone to have their say through public consultation.
We anticipate holding a first round of public consultation in late 2026, at which point we will be able to share more details on our proposals and invite communities to provide feedback. Details of the consultation will be shared and publicised in due course.
In the meantime, you can share your details with us to receive updates on the project directly to your inbox.
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