Running our network | National Grid

We are responsible for keeping the electricity network, consisting of over 7000 kilometres of overhead line, 22,000 pylons, over 700 kilometres of underground cable and 300 substations, up and running.

Maintaining safe and secure electricity supplies is our number one priority. Find out more about our work to ensure the resilience and reliability of our network in our short series of videos, with more detail in the pages below.

Our substations

Our pylons

Transmission Network Control Centre

Managing the network in extreme weather

Substations, pylons and overhead lines

Our electricity grid is comprised of an ingenious network of physical infrastructure that transports power to schools, homes, and business all across the country.

Protecting the natural environment

We work hard to ensure the reliability of our network, whilst seeking to minimise our impacts on natural habitats as best as we can.

Our control centre

Our control room is responsible for keeping the lights on in England and Wales 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Storms, flooding and bad weather

Weather events can be severe and cause damage to electricity networks, but our engineers work 24/7 to keep the lights on whatever the weather.