National Grid owns the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, helping to connect large or small energy projects.
This network is the backbone of our society. Through world-class asset management and exceptional levels of safety, we connect people to the energy they use today – whether it’s heat and light for their homes or to keep factories and offices running. The electricity transmission network also has a central role to play in the future energy mix, including enabling the decarbonisation of heat and transport.
National Grid is one of the world’s largest investor-owned energy utilities, which is pivotal to the energy systems in the UK and the north eastern United States. National Grid aims to serve customers well and efficiently, supporting the communities in which we operate and making possible the energy systems of the future
National Grid in the UK:
- National Grid owns and operates the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, with day-to-day responsibility for balancing supply and demand. We also operate, but do not own, the Scottish networks. Our networks comprise approximately 7,200 kilometres (4,474 miles) of overhead line, 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) of underground cable and 342 substations.
- National Grid owns and operates the gas National Transmission System in Great Britain, with day-to-day responsibility for balancing supply and demand. Our network comprises approximately 7,600 kilometres (4,760 miles) of high-pressure pipe and 618 above-ground installations.
- As Great Britain’s System Operator (SO), we make sure gas and electricity is transported safely and efficiently from where it is produced to where it is consumed. From April 2019, Electricity System Operator (ESO) is a new standalone business within National Grid, legally separate from all other parts of the National Grid Group. This provides the right environment to deliver a balanced and impartial ESO that can realise real benefits for consumers as we transition to a more decentralised, decarbonised electricity system.
- Other UK activities mainly relate to businesses operating in competitive markets outside of our core regulated businesses, including interconnectors, gas metering activities and liquified natural gas (LNG) importation terminal – all of which are now part of National Grid Ventures. National Grid Property is responsible for the management, clean-up and disposal of surplus sites in the UK – most of these are former gas works.
National Grid lies at the heart of a transforming energy system, spanning the UK and the US. Our businesses supply gas and electricity, safely, reliably and efficiently to millions of customers and communities. But we also drive change through engineering innovation and by incubating new ideas with the power to revolutionise our industry. Decarbonising energy is vitally important to the UK economy and to the world we live in, we are actively engaging with many stakeholders to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport. That is why National Grid is excited to be an ITT Hub 2021 event Commercial Partner.
As one example of what National Grid does, Graeme Cooper, Decarbonisation of Transport Director explained:
The rollout of electric vehicles is fundamental to achieving decarbonisation, and National Grid Electricity Transmission’s proposal to provide an upgraded electricity network connection at 54 motorway service areas would allow 99% of drivers in England and Wales to be within 50 miles of an ultra-rapid charging hub – one which would allow them to achieve a 200 mile charge in the time taken to buy and drink a coffee.
This would complement home, workplace and destination charging (such as retail sites and leisure facilities) and provide a solution for those unable to charge their vehicles at home, including drivers on the move, plus fleet and bus operators looking to maximise vehicle utilisation”
– Graeme Cooper, Decarbonisation of Transport Director, National Grid
