South West communities asked to help shape energy future

From new homes and businesses to cleaner transport and industry, electricity is becoming increasingly important to the future of communities across the South West.

National Grid Electricity Distribution is inviting customers, businesses and community organisations to help shape plans for the electricity network that will support economic growth, strengthen resilience and enable the transition to cleaner energy between 2028 and 2033. 

Sarah Jeffery, Head of Community and Customer Engagement at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: "A reliable, flexible electricity network is increasingly essential for growth. Whether it's supporting new homes, attracting investment or enabling cleaner technologies, the choices we make today will help shape the future of our region. 

"We're inviting customers and stakeholders to help shape our plans and ensure we're focused on delivering the greatest value for the communities we serve." 

As part of The BIG Conversation: From Insight to Action, National Grid is hosting its final stakeholder engagement events before submitting its ED3 Business Plan, which will set out how the company intends to invest in and operate the electricity network between 2028 and 2033. 

Over the past year, National Grid has worked with customers, businesses, local authorities, community organisations and stakeholders across the South West, the Midlands and South Wales to understand their priorities for the future energy system. Those insights have helped shape the company's emerging plans and commitments. 

The upcoming events provide a final opportunity to test and refine those proposals before the business plan is submitted later this year. 

National Grid is seeking feedback on how the network can: 

  • Support economic growth by enabling new homes, businesses and industries to connect to the network more quickly and efficiently. 
  • Enable a fair and affordable transition to cleaner energy. 
  • Increase network capacity to meet changing customer needs. 
  • Strengthen resilience to increasingly severe weather and climate-related challenges. 
  • Deliver value for money through innovation, flexibility and smarter network operation. 
  • Improve services and accessibility for all customers, including those in vulnerable circumstances. 
  • Reduce environmental impact and support more sustainable communities. 

Stakeholders can attend either in person or online. The event is taking place at We The Curious in Bristol on Wednesday 23 September 2026. 

In Person: Register for the Bristol event 

Online: Register for the South West and South Wales online event 

Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation email with full event details.

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