National Grid submits further transmission investment proposals to Ofgem to support Britain’s energy future

This latest submission comprises 19 projects across England and Wales, representing around £4.5 billion of proposed investment*. Subject to approval, it forms part of National Grid’s plans to invest around £31 billion in the electricity transmission network in England and Wales between 2026 and 2031.

The proposed investment comprises £2.3 billion across six projects already submitted through National Grid’s May re-opener and progressing through Ofgem’s assessment process, as well as a further £2.2 billion of investment proposed through the October submission.

The investments would help increase network capacity, maintain system resilience, and ensure the electricity network is ready to accommodate increasing levels of clean power generation and demand, including from new industries and technologies.

Together with the first phase of re-opener submissions to Ofgem in May, the proposals reflect the scale and pace of investment needed to keep Britain’s electricity network fit for the future.

The projects have been developed through detailed planning and engineering assessment work to identify the most appropriate solutions to meet network needs, helping to deliver value for money and keep long term costs down for consumers.

Under the RIIO-T3 framework, re-openers provide a route for transmission owners to seek regulatory approval and funding for investments that were not sufficiently developed for Ofgem to assess when the price control was agreed. Ofgem will now assess the submissions before deciding whether each should be approved.

Rob Salter-Church, regulation director at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said:

“As Britain’s electricity needs evolve, it’s vital that the network develops ahead of that demand. Our proposals set out investment needed to increase capacity, maintain resilience and support future growth across England and Wales. Together with the submissions we made earlier this year, they form an important part of our plan to invest around £31 billion in the transmission network by 2031.

“We will continue to work closely with Ofgem throughout the assessment process to help ensure the right investments are approved and delivered efficiently, providing long term benefits for consumers, communities and the wider economy.”

Alongside progressing these new submissions, National Grid continues to engage constructively with Ofgem on the May re-opener applications through its draft determinations consultation.

Find out more about National Grid’s RIIO-T3 re-openers

*Figures for re-openers are in 2023/24 prices, in line with Ofgem’s guidance for RIIO-T3 price control submissions