National Grid Proposes £35bn Upgrade to Double UK Electricity Capacity

The investment aims to modernize infrastructure, meet renewable energy targets, and expand capacity, but could raise household bills significantly.

National Grid has unveiled plans to invest £35 billion from 2026 to 2031 to nearly double the UK's electricity transmission capacity.
The upgrades are critical to achieving the government's 2030 net-zero electricity goals and supporting the growing demand for renewable energy projects.
Household energy bills could increase as network charges rise from £23 to £44 annually to fund the upgrades, pending approval from Ofgem.
The investment includes £11 billion for maintaining and upgrading existing networks and £24 billion for new infrastructure projects, such as substations, cables, and transformers.
The plan is projected to create 55,000 jobs by 2030 and reduce long-term energy costs by addressing grid congestion and curtailment payments.