Skip to content
Group silhouette of transmission towers (power tower, electricity pylon, steel lattice tower) at twilight in US. Texture high voltage pillar, overhead power line, industrial background. Panorama style
Go to: press and media

Proactive investment and planning rule reform needed to strengthen energy network

Cornwall Insight’s response to the King’s Speech announcing the government’s intent to reform energy grid connections.

Tom Faulkner Head of Assets & Infrastructure and Networks at Cornwall Insight:

The government’s commitment to reforming energy grid connections is a crucial first step, but getting network reforms right is a complicated task. Ensuring capacity to tackle current challenges is necessary , however, building resilient and high-performing transmission and distribution networks also requires proactive investment, as we need to future-proof the system to support the UK as it transitions to a renewable-led future.

While investment is crucial, planning rules are also denying the country of the efficient energy system it needs. Streamlining planning regulations to accelerate the construction of essential infrastructure like transmission lines and substations is an essential ingredient to making sure everybody’s energy needs are met now and into the future.

Striking a balance between environmental protection and the urgent need to modernise our energy grid will be challenging, but we must remember that no environment will remain untouched by the impacts of a global climate crisis.

We must also address the slow pace of grid connections and the growing backlog of projects awaiting approval. Too many important projects are being held up by lengthy queues. However, we urge caution, because there is a need to manage concerns and make sure developers and investors don’t see new projects enter the queue and leapfrog them under the new rules.”

  • Ends

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact: Verity Sinclair at v.sinclair@cornwall-insight.com

To link to our website, please use: https://www.cornwall-insight.com/

Copyright disclaimer for commercial use of the press releases:

The content of the press release, including but not limited to text, data, images, and graphics, is the sole property of Cornwall Insight and is protected by UK copyright law. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the content in any form for commercial use is prohibited without the prior written consent of Cornwall Insight.

Media Use Exemption:

The information included in this press release may be used by members of the media for news reporting purposes only. Any other commercial use of this information is prohibited without the prior written consent of Cornwall Insight.

All non-media use is prohibited, including redistribution, reproduction, or modification of our content in any form for commercial purposes, and requires prior written consent. Please contact: enquiries@cornwall-insight.com

About the Cornwall Insight Group

Cornwall Insight is the pre-eminent provider of research, analysis, consulting and training to businesses and stakeholders engaged in the Australian, Great British, and Irish energy markets. To support our customers, we leverage a powerful combination of analytical capability, a detailed appreciation of regulation codes and policy frameworks, and a practical understanding of how markets function.

“Striking a balance between environmental protection and the urgent need to modernise our energy grid will be challenging, but we must remember that no environment will remain untouched by the impacts of a global climate crisis."

Tom Faulkner Head of Assets & Infrastructure and Networks
wind turbines and solar
Get in Touch to Find Out How We Can Support Your Business

Fill in your details and we will get back to you as soon as possible with more information about our solutions.

Get in Touch