FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to the most common questions about the grid upgrade project and what it means for communities across the country.
Network & Infrastructure
Who operates the transmission network in Great Britain?
Three companies operate Britain's transmission network: National Grid (England and Wales), SSEN Transmission (north Scotland) and SP Energy Networks (central and southern Scotland). These three organisations are behind the 'Moving the Grid Forward' campaign.
What are pylons and why do we need more of them?
Pylons (technically called 'towers') support high voltage electricity cables that carry power across the country. Like all infrastructure, Great Britain needs to evolve its grid to support increasing demand from homes, businesses, electric cars, and heat pumps. As we use more renewable energy like wind and solar, the grid must be flexible to manage changes in supply and energy being generated in new locations. Upgrading the grid in strategic places is vital for ensuring it can meet energy demands and achieve the UK's clean power goals.
Why can't we put all cables under the sea?
While we have offshore subsea cables and plan more for the future, these still need to land onshore to deliver clean power to homes, requiring cables, substations and pylons. Simple subsea cables connecting two locations cost about five times more than overhead options, while more complex offshore cables that connect multiple sites to the onshore grid are around 11 times more expensive than overhead lines. Subsea cables also require careful planning to consider other offshore infrastructure, marine life and network resilience. Therefore, while we do use offshore subsea cables, they aren't always the best option. Our North Sea neighbours like Germany also plan substantial new onshore overhead lines alongside subsea connections.
Why not put all power lines underground?
Power lines are installed underground in some locations, but this isn't always practical or cost-effective. A balance must always be struck between resilience, the impact on local areas, and affordability. This is especially important as installation, maintenance and operation costs are included in our energy bills.
Undergrounding power lines costs, on average, around 4.5 times more than overhead lines, with these costs ultimately being borne by consumers through energy bills. Additionally, underground cables require excavating over 14 times more earth than overhead lines, creating significant environmental disruption.
Haven't pylons always been part of the landscape?
Yes, pylons have delivered power across Britain for nearly 100 years. While we prioritise using the existing network as much as possible, the National Energy System Operator has made it clear that new infrastructure is essential to meet the UK's clean energy goals.
Clean energy
What are Britain's clean energy targets?
By 2030, the UK government aims to generate most of Britain's electricity from clean energy sources like wind and solar. Gas power will only be used when there's insufficient wind, making up less than 5% of total generation in a normal year.
What are network operators doing to support clean energy?
Transmission network owners are connecting more renewable energy sources and upgrading the grid to handle increased electricity demand, including from electric vehicles and the way we heat our homes and businesses. They're investing over £67 billion, creating jobs nationwide while upgrading existing power lines and installing new pylons and power lines in some areas to achieve clean energy goals.
How does the move to clean energy benefit Britain?
The transition to clean energy is a big opportunity. It provides greater energy security, creates jobs, and connects us to more affordable power sources. As we replace fossil fuels with electricity (e.g., switching to electric vehicles), we'll generate power from environmentally friendly sources like wind and solar. To make the most of our renewable energy and give homes and businesses access to affordable, reliable power, we need to upgrade our grid with new and improved infrastructure, including upgrading existing power lines and installing new pylons in some areas, with an investment of over £67 billion.