National Grid has put forward a series of proposals to Ofgem via the "re-openers" process, requesting approval for strategic investments across its electricity transmission network. The upgrades aim to support the delivery of secure, affordable, and cleaner energy throughout Britain.

A total of 25 submissions have been made to the regulator, detailing transmission reinforcements and upgrades across England and Wales. Combined, these developments represent approximately £4.5 billion of investment.

The new proposals build upon the prior RIIO-T3 price control settlement agreed between National Grid and Ofgem, which established the baseline investment levels for the transmission network. This forms part of a wider plan by National Grid to invest £70 billion across its UK and US networks over the next five years.

The re-openers process offers a structured pathway to obtain Ofgem's approval for project necessity and design, while allowing funding requests when network requirements shift past original assumptions. This mechanism is designed to ensure the timely delivery of critical infrastructure.

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Included within the portfolio are connections for new low-carbon generation, data centres, and major industrial users. Funding is also being sought for initiatives aimed at maintaining and strengthening network resilience to cope with increasing electricity demand.

Cumulatively, the proposed projects are intended to stimulate economic growth, enhance energy security, and assist the transition to cleaner energy. By expanding the grid efficiently and rapidly, the investments are also designed to help minimise long-term costs for consumers.

Operating as a regulated business, National Grid focuses on efficient delivery to keep costs as low as possible, with Ofgem closely examining all proposed expenditures to ensure consumer value for money. The submitted portfolio was created using a structured assessment methodology that incorporated asset health reviews, detailed optioneering, system design, and whole-system analysis. Ofgem will now initiate a consultation on the applications before deciding on funding approval.

Rob Salter-Church, regulation director at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said: "Britain's energy system is changing rapidly, and the transmission network must keep pace. These submissions set out the investment needed to expand capacity, maintain resilience and support future growth, while enabling the delivery of secure, affordable and cleaner energy.

"They are designed to ensure we can continue to support major new industries and meet growing demand on the system, and to connect new low-carbon generation. This is an important step in the regulatory process, and we will continue to work closely with Ofgem to help ensure the right investments are delivered efficiently, at the right time, for consumers and the wider economy."