National Grid is calling on businesses and community groups across the West Country to help shape the future of the region’s electricity network, as the company launches the next phase of its public engagement programme.
A dedicated event will be held on Wednesday, July 1, at Sandy Park Stadium in Exeter and simultaneously online, giving participants the chance to examine how feedback from earlier conversations is being used to develop plans for the next electricity distribution price control period, which runs from 2028 to 2033. Those attending will also be able to “test and influence” the direction of National Grid Electricity Distribution’s (NGED) future proposals.
What National Grid aims to achieve
NGED is the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) responsible for the network that carries electricity from the national transmission grid to homes and businesses. Formerly known as Western Power Distribution, the company serves nearly eight million customers across the East and West Midlands, South West of England and Wales, managing 229,000 kilometres of network and 191,000 transformers. In South West England alone, it delivers electricity to 1.6 million customers across a 14,400 square kilometre area stretching from Bristol and Bath to Land’s End and including the Isles of Scilly.
The company is planning for a net‑zero carbon footprint by 2043 and has set out specific commitments including ensuring the network can support at least 1.5 million electric vehicles and 600,000 heat pumps by 2028. It also aims to drive efficiency savings to keep customer bills low, reduce power interruptions, support vulnerable and fuel‑poor households, and partner with local authorities on Local Area Energy Plans.
Sarah Jeffery, head of engagement and insights at NGED – who also holds roles as head of strategic customer engagement and head of community energy – said: “The decisions we take now will shape the future of energy across the South West for decades, and it’s important people continue to have a say as our plans develop. We’ve listened carefully to the feedback so far, and these sessions are about showing how it’s shaping our plans – sharing what we’ve heard, updating on key developments, seeking further input and making sure we’re getting it right for customers and communities.”
How public feedback will shape the network’s future
The event is part of NGED’s ongoing engagement programme within the framework of RIIO‑ED3, Ofgem’s next electricity distribution price control. The RIIO model – which stands for Revenue = Incentives + Innovation + Outputs – sets performance targets and revenue allowances for DNOs from April 2028 to March 2033. The framework is designed to enhance efficiency, innovation and consumer outcomes while supporting the UK’s net‑zero and decarbonisation goals.
Ofgem, the energy regulator, released its Sector Specific Methodology Decision (SSMD) for ED3 in May 2026, detailing the rules for assessing DNO investment plans. The final ED3 settlement for each company – including NGED – is expected by the end of 2027. The framework introduces tighter rules on baseline capital investment, strict cost controls, a stable and investable structure aligned with long‑term demand growth, stronger consumer protection, and financial incentives, penalties and clawbacks to drive good performance.
Participants at the Sandy Park session will be asked for their views on four key themes: how the network can support different communities; how it can enable connections for new homes and businesses; how to make greater use of flexible energy solutions such as demand response and Distributed Energy Resources Management Systems (DERMS); and how to deliver value for customers. NGED has already begun a significant customer and stakeholder engagement exercise as part of the ED3 development, and this event will allow people to see how earlier input has been incorporated into draft plans.
Feedback gathered on the day will directly inform NGED’s formal proposals to Ofgem for the next investment period, ahead of the regulator’s decisions on future funding and priorities. The company has also been active in supporting community energy initiatives: it has joined Community Energy England and Community Energy Wales to foster collaboration and identify barriers to connecting community projects. Jeffery has noted that community energy groups are uniquely positioned to deliver local decarbonisation, energy resilience and social value.
The broader context for the event includes the UK’s commitment to net‑zero emissions by 2050, the accelerating electrification of transport and heating, and the integration of more renewable energy sources. Ofgem’s current energy price cap for a typical household – set at £1,862 for the period July 1 to September 30, 2026 – underscores the importance of keeping network costs under control.
Feedback from the sessions will directly inform National Grid Electricity Distribution’s proposals to the energy regulator for the next investment period, ahead of decisions on future funding and priorities.
