With Britain pushing on towards its net-zero goals, the backbone of our energy system, the electricity grid, is undergoing a huge transformation. New tech, ambitious investment, and innovative startups are all part of the mission to ensure cleaner, reliable, and more efficient energy for homes and businesses across the UK.
Why the Energy Grid Needs a Makeover
The grid as we know it now was designed for the fossil-fuel era: large centralised power stations sending energy over long distances. Today, the energy landscape is decentralised and dynamic, solar panels, offshore wind farms, and electric vehicles all interact with the grid in complex ways. However, our outdated infrastructure struggles to keep up, resulting in:
- Bottlenecks that prevent clean energy from reaching homes efficiently
- Delays in connecting new renewable projects
- Higher costs are passed on to consumers
The government has committed to decarbonising the grid by 2030, but reaching that target requires extensive upgrades and fast.
Billions Invested to “Rewire” the Nation
In response, major energy companies have pledged huge sums to rebuild the grid:
- National Grid: £35 million over the next five years
- SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy): £31 billion in upgrades
- ScottishPower: £10.5 billion to strengthen infrastructure, especially in rural and northern areas.
These investments will fund thousands of miles of new high-voltage cables, modern substations, and digital systems to manage supply and demand more flexibly.
Startups Step in with Smart Fixes
Large projects like new pylons and substations are vital, but they are costly. The process is also slow, often taking 5 to 7 years to complete. That’s where startups are making a big difference.
One standout example is AssestCool, a Leeds-based company using a special reflective coating that can be applied to existing overhead power lines. This coating helps:
- Cool the cables during hot weather
- Increase their capacity by up to 30%
- Avoid costly replacements, saving time and public disruption
Solutions like these allow faster improvements with fewer environmental and community impacts.
How This Affects You and Your Community
As these upgrades roll out, the benefits will start to reach everyday consumers. This is how:
- Greater Energy Security: With more robust infrastructure, the risk of blackouts or supply interruptions drops significantly, even during peak demand.
- Faster Connections for Green Tech: Homeowners and businesses installing solar panels, EV chargers, or heat pumps will find it easier and faster to connect to the grid.
- Cost Control Over Time: Although the upgrades require upfront investment, better efficiency and reduced network losses can help control, or even reduce, energy bills over the long term.
- Environmental Benefits: More green energy flowing through the grid means lower national emissions and a cleaner planet.
What You Can Do Right Now
You don’t have to wait for the pylons to go up or cables to be connected. Here are steps you can take today to align with the changing grid:
- Check if You’re on a Green Tariff: Many suppliers now offer 100% renewable electricity tariffs. These ensure your usage supports clean energy generation.
- Reduced Your Load: Simple actions like upgrading to LEF lights, smart thermostats, or efficient appliances ease pressure on the grid, especially in the winter.
- Get Involved in Local Energy Projects: Check with your local council or community energy group; some areas now offer shared solar projects or battery storage incentives.
- Ask Us About Grants & Incentives: You may be eligible for funding to help with home efficiency improvements, insulation, or renewable heating options.
At Energy Advice Helpline, we can offer help to guide you through the energy transition. Through us, you can apply for free energy incentives and begin your renewable energy journey as quickly as today:
We also offer affordable solar finance packages, making switching to solar easier than ever before. Find out more below:
