National Grid has asked Ofgem to approve around £4.5bn of new investment across the electricity transmission network in England and Wales.
The company has submitted 25 proposals under the regulator’s “re-openers” process, which allows network companies to seek approval for extra funding when system needs move beyond the assumptions set in a price control.
The package is designed to strengthen the grid as electricity demand rises and more clean power, major industrial users and data centres seek connections.
National Grid said the proposals build on the RIIO-T3 settlement agreed with Ofgem, which set the baseline level of transmission investment for the next regulatory period.
The projects form part of National Grid’s wider plan to invest £70bn across its UK and US networks over the next five years.
The company said the proposed upgrades would support energy security, economic growth and the delivery of cleaner power by expanding the network more efficiently and at pace.
The submissions cover transmission reinforcements, new connections for low carbon generation, support for major industrial demand and investment to improve network resilience.
The move comes as grid capacity has become one of the biggest constraints on Britain’s clean energy transition, with developers warning that slow connections are holding back generation, storage and major electrification projects.
National Grid said the portfolio has been developed through detailed system design, asset health reviews, whole-system analysis and assessment of different delivery options.
Ofgem will now scrutinise the applications and consult before deciding whether the funding should be approved.
As a regulated business, National Grid said it is focused on efficient delivery and keeping costs as low as possible for consumers.
The decision will be closely watched across the energy sector as Britain attempts to build the infrastructure needed to connect more renewables, electrify industry and meet growing electricity demand.
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