Latest news with #NationalGridElectricityDistribution
Business News Wales
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Grid Growth Is Crucial for Rural Wales' Green Future
At Green GEN Cymru, we're in the business of making connections, quite literally. As an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), we have the ability to propose, build, and operate electricity distribution networks across the UK, up to 132,000 volts. That puts us squarely at the heart of the UK's energy transformation, and nowhere is the need for transformation more urgent than in Wales. Wales can be a true leader in renewable energy, particularly wind. In Mid Wales, we're working to unlock around three gigawatts of new renewable generation, primarily onshore wind. The geography is perfect, high hills, strong wind, and local support for greener, cleaner power. The problem? The power can't get out so as to allow Wales to reach its green energy potential. . The real bottleneck lies in the grid. Right now, Wales is largely served by two 400kV transmission corridors, one in the north and one in the south, effectively running along the A55 and M4. That might work well for urban centres and industry along those routes, but it leaves huge areas of the country, particularly Mid Wales, cut off from the wider transmission network. This is the pinch point we face – incredible renewable energy potential stuck without a route to market. It's not just about generation either. Electricity flows both ways. As more of our transport, heating and industry moves to electric power, the need for reliable local distribution networks becomes just as critical. In simple terms, people and businesses in Mid Wales need better access to power. The consequences of grid limitations are being felt already. Take Ceredigion, a rural area with big ambitions for clean transport. The region has electric buses, but no local capacity to charge them. They're being driven to Carmarthenshire to plug in. That's not just inefficient, it's a clear example of how infrastructure isn't keeping pace with ambition. As a distribution operator, we can help address these local challenges. By extending and strengthening the distribution network into areas like Mid Wales, we can support EV charging hubs, power business expansion, and give communities the energy infrastructure they need to thrive in a net zero future. We're not doing this alone. In Wales, there are two regional distribution network operators, National Grid Electricity Distribution and Scottish Power Energy Networks everyone needs to work together to deliver for the country. Whether it's large-scale transmission or regional distribution, we all have a shared mission, to build a grid that works for the future. But the scale of the challenge means we need to move faster and smarter. Wales cannot afford to be left behind as the UK transitions to net zero. Every delayed connection, every stranded project, every missed opportunity to electrify transport or industry, chips away at our collective progress. If we want to realise the full potential of Wales' renewable resources, create new jobs, and keep our communities competitive, grid growth isn't optional, it's essential. At Green GEN Cymru, we're committed to being part of the solution. The connections we build today are the foundation for the Wales we all want to see tomorrow, clean, connected, and powered by its own natural strengths.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Octopus Energy issues 45-day warning with UK households facing 'postcode lottery'
Octopus Energy has issued a warning over a "postcode" energy lottery - as customers in Scotland face a staggering 45-DAY wait for solar installations. Data shows customers can get heat pumps, solar panels and EV chargers approved fastest in the South West, South East and South Wales. The delays are caused by inconsistent processes among Distribution Network Operators, who manage installation approvals across different regions. This disparity has led to a 'postcode lottery' where some homes are green-lit for upgrades within a few days, while others are left waiting for weeks. Customers in the North and Scotland are facing longer delays, especially for solar panel installations, while those in areas served by National Grid Electricity Distribution and UK Power Networks experience the shortest waits – averaging at 7 and 8 days for all technologies. READ MORE: British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON, Octopus customers being handed £500 but 'you'll have to chase' READ MORE: Premium Bonds customers warned to 'close down accounts' after 'disappointing' warning READ MORE 39 counties in England at risk of 'power cuts' in 29C UK heatwave With enquiries for heat pumps increasing 144% in 2024 compared to the year before and costs for solar panels coming down to record lows, Octopus is calling for urgent action to streamline the approval process, and speed up the UK's push toward net zero. Alex Schoch, Director of Electrification at Octopus Energy, said: 'The UK's journey to net zero depends on millions of people being able to install clean tech in their homes. 'While some are getting these quickly and efficiently, current delays in the worst-hit regions risk leaving many customers in limbo while waiting for approvals that should take hours, not weeks. 'We're shining a light on the blockers and will continue to work with industry and networks to clear the way for faster, fairer access to clean energy tech.' Octopus Energy has outlined five priority actions for DNOs to speed up the process, including increasing the rate of instant approvals and simplifying applications for common LCT installations. It assessed a whopping 24,157 customer applications to install low-carbon technology across the UK between 1st April 2024 - 29th April 2025.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Nearly 200 properties without power after fire
Nearly 200 properties are without power after a fire in an electricity substation. The blaze, in Albert Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, was reported to National Grid at 15:56 GMT on Sunday. Its live incident page recorded 183 properties without power, with a time estimate of 21:00 for it to be restored. One resident said firefighters and police were in the street when she returned home, with the substation well alight. She remained inside with her family and was told to keep her windows and doors shut. She said: "There were about 50 members of the emergency services out in the street. The fire is out now, but we have no power." A National Grid Electricity Distribution spokesperson said the "small electrical fire" was now out. It added: "We'd like to thank the local community for bearing with us as our teams work to restore supplies as quickly and safely as possible to around 200 customers affected." Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said it sent three engines to the scene and urged people to avoid the area. It said: "Please avoid the area and if you live nearby, keep windows and doors closed to avoid the smoke plume." Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service National Grid
BBC News
23-03-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
West Bridgford: Nearly 200 homes without power after fire
Nearly 200 properties are without power after a fire in an electricity blaze, in Albert Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, was reported to National Grid at 15:56 GMT on live incident page recorded 183 properties without power, with a time estimate of 21:00 for it to be resident said firefighters and police were in the street when she returned home, with the substation well alight. She remained inside with her family and was told to keep her windows and doors said: "There were about 50 members of the emergency services out in the street. The fire is out now, but we have no power."A National Grid Electricity Distribution spokesperson said the "small electrical fire" was now added: "We'd like to thank the local community for bearing with us as our teams work to restore supplies as quickly and safely as possible to around 200 customers affected."Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said it sent three engines to the scene and urged people to avoid the said: "Please avoid the area and if you live nearby, keep windows and doors closed to avoid the smoke plume."
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hundreds of homes without power for hours in Rhondda Cynon Taf community
There has been a power cut in the Gilfach Goch area of Rhondda Cynon Taf today (January 28). The power outage, which was first reported at 2.53pm, is estimated to last until 10pm. According to National Grid, which supplies electricity to the area, the reason for the power outage is reported to be a 'fault in high voltage network' and has affected properties close to Hendreforgan. As of 4.08pm today, the total number of properties that experienced the power outage was reported to be 1,205 by the National Grid. However, as of 4.16pm, power had been restored to 550 properties. READ MORE: 'Cold-blooded' lorry driver smuggled hundreds of rare eels into North Wales in 'most unusual case' READ MORE: Update on Wynne Evans' BBC show All At Sea after Strictly Come Dancing tour exit statement A total of 655 properties still remained without power and National Grid engineers were said to be working to restore electricity supply to these properties. Get the latest Rhondda news first by signing up to our newsletter here The electricity provider has apologised for 'any inconvenience' the power cut is causing. A statement by National Grid Electricity Distribution read: 'A fault has occurred on our high voltage network affecting properties near Hendreforgan and so far power has been restored to 550 customers. 'Engineers are working to restore electricity supplies to a further 655 properties as quickly as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience this power cut is causing.'
