National Grid has submitted a package of proposals to Ofgem under the “re-openers” process, seeking approval for strategic investment across its electricity transmission network.
Some 25 submissions have been made to Ofgem for transmission reinforcements and upgrades across England and Wales. In total, the projects comprise around £4.5 billion of investment.
The proposals build on the agreement reached between National Grid and Ofgem through the RIIO‑T3 price control settlement, which set the baseline level of investment in the transmission network, and form part of National Grid’s plans to invest £70 billion across its UK and US networks over the next five years.
Re-openers provide a defined route to seek Ofgem’s approval for project need and design, and to request funding where network needs evolve beyond original assumptions, supporting timely delivery of vital infrastructure.
The submission covers a portfolio of projects including connections for new low carbon generation, major industrial users and data centres, as well as investment to maintain and strengthen network resilience to meet growing electricity demand.
Together, the proposed investments would help enable economic growth, strengthen energy security and support the delivery of cleaner energy, while helping to keep long-term costs down for consumers by expanding the network efficiently and at pace.
As a regulated business, National Grid is focused on efficient delivery and keeping costs to a minimum, with Ofgem scrutinising proposed spending to help ensure value for money for consumers, it said.
The portfolio of applications has been developed through a structured assessment process, including detailed optioneering, system design, asset health review and whole system analysis.
Ofgem will now consult on the applications before determining whether funding should be approved.
Rob Salter-Church, regulation director at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said:
“Britain’s energy system is changing rapidly, and the transmission network must keep pace. These submissions set out the investment needed to expand capacity, maintain resilience and support future growth, while enabling the delivery of secure, affordable and cleaner energy.
“They are designed to ensure we can continue to support major new industries and meet growing demand on the system, and to connect new low-carbon generation. This is an important step in the regulatory process, and we will continue to work closely with Ofgem to help ensure the right investments are delivered efficiently, at the right time, for consumers and the wider economy.”
Image courtesy of National Grid
