East Midlands Chamber has announced National Grid is to become a patron.
The partnership enables National Grid to engage with the Chamber’s membership and contribute to the shaping of policy when the Chamber meets political leaders.
National Grid is proposing a number of projects, which include areas of the East Midlands, in what it calls The Great Grid Upgrade. Described by the company as ‘the largest overhaul of the network in a generation’, with much of the existing UK network dating back to the 1960s, the work is aimed at delivering ‘a reliable flow of electricity to homes, businesses and public services’.
East Midlands work is set to include a new overhead line to connect a 400 kV substation at Chesterfield with Willington and around 60km of new 400kV cable between Weston Marsh and East Leicestershire.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “I’m pleased to welcome National Grid as a patron of the Chamber.
“Reliable, clean and affordable electricity is essential and it’s good to see National Grid outline plans to safeguard provision in the East Midlands as part of ‘The Great Grid Upgrade’.
“Becoming a patron means our members can share insight with National Grid on their electricity needs, while the Chamber can draw on the company’s expertise when speaking with political leaders.”
National Grid Head of External Affairs, Strategic Infrastructure – North, Steve Knight-Gregson said: “We’re delighted to join East Midlands Chamber and to work with its members to support the county’s growth, sustainability and innovation. National Grid is upgrading the electricity network across the country through The Great Grid Upgrade – the biggest investment in the UK’s electricity network for generations.
“Our projects will help deliver more clean, secure and affordable energy to homes, businesses and public services in East Midlands and beyond. By strengthening the network, the projects will support the UK’s shift away from imported fossil fuels, improve energy security and attract clean industries and investment in skills and local jobs.”
