Burnham to launch Great British Grid to accelerate energy connections

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to unveil plans for a new government body designed to drive investment in the national grid. Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, the Prime Minister will announce the creation of Great British Grid. The new entity aims to address the backlog in grid connections by introducing greater competition for connection projects. It is also intended to support the government’s objective of aligning UK energy costs with those in Europe within the next decade.

The Prime Minister’s address is expected to highlight how faster connections could mitigate the current energy cost crisis, which has been described as crippling for businesses. While a comprehensive plan for Great British Grid has not yet been disclosed, the Labour Party has stated that the body will invest in and compete for transmission connection projects alongside the five existing distribution network operators. The new organisation may also co-invest in grid projects to assist companies awaiting connection in financing their own infrastructure. Burnham is anticipated to state that the initiative will increase competition to reduce costs and accelerate delivery, enabling businesses to connect and expand more rapidly.

This announcement follows the establishment of GB Energy, a state-owned energy company created under the leadership of Keir Starmer. That entity has since moved into its headquarters in Aberdeen and announced its initial investments. Burnham is expected to indicate that funding for Great British Grid will likely be drawn from GB Energy’s existing budget. A related body, GB Energy Nuclear, was previously formed to support the government’s ambitions for nuclear power. The UK government also currently owns the National Energy System Operator, which is responsible for operating the country’s electricity and gas systems.

Reactions to the proposal have been mixed. Sam Richards, CEO of Britain Remade, criticised the move, describing it as a sideshow and arguing that the government should focus on local pricing and planning reform rather than creating additional bureaucracy. In contrast, James Alexander, CEO of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association, supported the initiative. He stated that the government is right to address underinvestment in the grid system, noting that delays in connecting renewable infrastructure can deter investment. Alexander added that capturing this finance is essential for securing the future of the energy system and delivering growth and jobs across the country.