Developing our future electricity network
About future electricity networks
The electricity grid is the national infrastructure that allows us to transport power from where it is generated to the end user (see diagram). It consists of a transmission network that moves electricity over long distances at high voltages, and a number of lower voltage regional distribution networks that feed electricity into homes and businesses. It is a fundamental asset and vital to the UK’s economic and national security.
DECC’s Aim and Objectives
DECC's work on future electricity networks consists of the three following work-streams:
- Network delivery and access
- Offshore networks development
- Networks strategy and regulation
Our aim is to ensure that the UK’s electricity networks efficiently deliver the secure and clean energy needed to meet our energy security and climate goals between now and 2020 and beyond.
DECC's Objectives for future electricity networks are to:
- Facilitate access to and investment in the right onshore and offshore electricity network to meet UK energy needs in the next decade and beyond
- Ensure timely investment and efficient use of networks, balancing the short and long term interests of consumers, business and communities
- Ensure future UK electricity network development is consistent with our longer term energy goals.
The current British Electricity Network
Electricity generators, including those generating electricity from renewable energy sources, normally connect to either the transmission grid or the distribution networks.
The GB transmission grid consists of around 25,000 kilometres of high voltage overhead lines (the national grid) and 800,000 kilometres of overhead lines and underground cables (the regional distribution networks).
The difference between these grids is normally the voltage:
- Transmission grid voltages are normally 275 kilovolts and above in England and Wales; (132 kilovolts in Scotland and offshore).
- Distribution network voltage levels are normally 11 kilovolts, 33 kilovolts, 66 kilovolts and 132 kilovolts (except for offshore wind and Scotland).
- National Grid owns the England and Wales transmission system. Scottish Power Transmission (SPT) and Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Limited (SHETL) each own part of the transmission system in Scotland. As transmission owners, these companies are responsible for building and maintaining safe and efficient networks, and are regulated by Ofgem. The grid in Northern Ireland is owned by Northern Ireland Electricity.
As GB system operator, National Grid is also responsible for overseeing and managing the flow of electricity across the whole of the GB transmission network. This includes the elements owned and operated by SPT and SHETL. National Grid also co-ordinates connection offers to new generators. The system operator for Northern Ireland, SONI, manages the electricity system and flows in Northern Ireland.
In all, there are 14 electricity distribution networks owned and operated by seven distribution network operators (DNOs).