Much of the high voltage electricity transmission network across the country was largely built in the 1960s. It was designed to connect in-land, large coal fired power stations and nuclear power stations in the North and Midlands areas to regional networks, cities and industry. Failure to reinforce the network will restrict the amount of homegrown, low carbon and renewable energy to be transported in every part of England and Wales.

The network cannot currently accommodate the high volume of energy being generated, which is why we need to reinforce the network between Pelham and Rayleigh. Without additional network capability, we would have to pay generators such as wind farms, and interconnectors not to operate at times of high generation or imports – this cost is ultimately passed to consumers.

This work is key to help deliver the wider Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement project and is supporting The Great Grid Upgrade.

When are the works likely to take place?

The works are scheduled to start in summer 2027, with all construction activities due to be completed by the end of 2028. The works will not be carried out across the entire route simultaneously but will take place in multiple areas along the route at different times.

Please note, the project timelines are subject to work being carried out under planned outages. An outage is a planned period during which parts of the electricity network are switched off so that work can be carried out safely, without disrupting your electricity supply. Work on our overhead line route must take place under an outage to ensure we can complete our activities safely. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is responsible for managing outages on the electricity transmission network.

The Compulsory Purchase Order process 

National Grid has a statutory obligation under the Electricity Act 1989 to develop and maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity transmission, and to facilitate competition in the supply and generation of electricity. Work on the pylons will be carried out via National Grid’s Permitted Development rights.

To ensure we deliver this essential project without delay, we have sought access to land. Where the land required for our proposals is not owned by National Grid, we are actively engaging in discussions with landowners. We have identified and reached out to landowners and agents representing affected grantors to discuss securing voluntary agreements for the Pelham to Rayleigh Overhead Line Reinforcement project. 

If you think land that you own may be impacted by our proposals and have not received a letter, please call 0800 5677 200 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can write to Savills at FREEPOST Pelham to Rayleigh Land. 

We consider it essential to secure rights on a permanent basis via easement rather than wayleaves (temporary right) because:

1. It is in the public interest to obtain the appropriate security for the electricity supply network through the grant of permanent land rights rather than temporary land rights
2. Permanent land rights are commensurate with the nature and lifetime of the infrastructure comprised in the Project and National Grid's statutory duty to maintain an efficient and robust network and to meet demand for electricity from Distribution Network Operators

It is our strong preference to secure rights via negotiation, however in parallel to this we have submitted an application for Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to ensure all rights are secured in the time frames needed. Savills are carrying out this work on behalf of National Grid. We are not purchasing land; we are securing rights to access land to carry out our work. 

What can you expect to see?

Work on pylons and circuits refurbishment is usually carried out in two phases because each overhead line has two circuits, one on each side of the tower. Work is done on one side while the other remains live. Once one side is completed and re-energised, the opposite side is switched off so that the remaining work can take place.

The refurbishment involves replacing wire conductors, insulators, and fittings. These upgrades will help improve the line’s capacity to carry more cleaner, greener energy.

Temporary scaffolding will be erected around pylons to ensure that work can take place safely. Temporary access tracks made from crushed stone or trackway panels will be laid along with enlarged access points from public highways to accommodate construction vehicles.

Applications for road closures will be submitted to local authorities and National Highways. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption as much as possible.

There will be no disruption to the supply of your electricity as a result of the works.

Any road and public rights of way impacts will be shared on this webpage.