50 Facts About National Grid Plc

History and Evolution

National Grid plc has a rich history that dates back to the early days of electricity generation and transmission in the UK. Let's explore how this company evolved over the years.

1. National Grid plc originated from the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB), which managed generation and transmission in England and Wales before 1990.
2. In 1990, CEGB's transmission activities were transferred to the National Grid Company plc.
3. Initially owned by twelve regional electricity companies (RECs), National Grid Company plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in December 1995.
4. The company later changed its name to National Grid Transco plc, reflecting its expanded operations.

Operations in Britain

National Grid plc plays a crucial role in maintaining and operating the electricity and gas networks in Britain. Here are some key aspects of its operations.

5. National Grid Electricity Transmission plc owns and maintains the high-voltage transmission network in England and Wales.
6. National Grid Electricity System Operator Ltd manages how electricity is distributed across Britain, balancing supply and demand.
7. The company formerly owned National Gas, which operated the gas transmission system in Great Britain, but divested its final 20% holding in July 2024.
8. British gas distribution interests were divested between 2017 and 2019 and now operate under the Cadent Gas brand.

United States Operations

National Grid also has a significant presence in the United States, serving millions of customers with electricity and gas services.

9. In the US, National Grid operates 8,881 miles of electricity transmission and 35,560 miles of gas transmission.
10. The company serves over 20 million customers in Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island.
11. National Grid's US headquarters is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, in a 300,000-square-foot green facility.
12. Subsidiary companies include Niagara Mohawk Power, Massachusetts Electric Co., and New England Power Co.

Regulatory Framework and Financial Performance

Operating in a highly regulated environment, National Grid ensures compliance and maintains strong financial health.

13. The UK Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) regulates National Grid's operations in the UK.
14. In 2021/22, the electricity transmission and system operator segments had operating profit margins of 19%.
15. The gas segment boasted higher profit margins of 36% during the same period.
16. Return on capital employed (ROCE) is a key profitability indicator, with the electricity segment delivering a ROCE marginally lower than the national average.

Infrastructure and Network

National Grid's extensive infrastructure ensures reliable energy transmission and distribution across the UK and the US.

17. The high-voltage transmission network in England and Wales includes 275kV and 400kV lines.
18. The distribution network in the Midlands, South West, and South Wales includes substations, overhead lines, and underground cables.
19. Interconnectors like the 2,000 Megawatt HVDC Cross-Channel interconnector to France enhance grid reliability.
20. National Grid is establishing a national electric vehicle charging network with ultra-rapid charging hubs.

Environmental and Community Initiatives

National Grid is committed to sustainability and community engagement, implementing various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and support local communities.

21. The company is working on a zero-carbon industrial zone in the Humber region.
22. National Grid operates undersea cables that exchange electricity with neighboring countries.
23. Recognized for its climate change efforts, National Grid was included on the CDP A-list in 2019.
24. The Warm Homes Fund has invested £150 million to address fuel poverty in the UK.

Discoveries and Milestones

During its infrastructure projects, National Grid has made several fascinating discoveries and achieved significant milestones.

25. Discoveries include 6th-century human skeletons in Dorset and a Neolithic roadway in East Anglia.
26. A rare and complete Fairey Barracuda World War Two bomber was found under the sea off Somerset.
27. In the UK, National Grid operates over 10,000 miles of infrastructure, including 4,481 miles of overhead electricity lines.
28. In the US, the company operates over 44,000 miles of infrastructure, serving over 20 million people.

Employee and Customer Engagement

National Grid values its employees and customers, promoting diversity, inclusion, and customer satisfaction.

29. Nearly 30,000 employees work across National Grid's operations in the UK and the US.
30. The company supports its LGBTQIA+ team members, customers, and stakeholders.
31. Environmental considerations are integrated into business decisions and everyday operations.
32. National Grid prioritizes delivering safe and reliable energy to its customers.

Strategic Initiatives and Future Plans

National Grid continues to innovate and expand its operations, focusing on sustainability and future energy needs.

33. Massachusetts leads the nation in driving the clean energy transition, with National Grid conducting a climate vulnerability study.
34. The company engages with local communities through various initiatives and projects.
35. National Grid provides a service for customers to file claims for property damage, bodily injury, or business loss.
36. The company engages with the public through Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

Financial Indicators and Investments

National Grid's financial performance is tracked through various indicators, reflecting its stability and growth.

37. Over the past five years, National Grid has paid nearly £9 billion to international shareholders through dividends and buyback schemes.
38. Subsidiary companies have paid out £1.479 billion from the gas segment and £2.441 billion from the electricity segment.
39. Operating expenditures vary between business segments, with higher expenses in electricity transmission and system operator segments.
40. Network costs are a significant component of household or business energy bills.

System Reliability and Innovation

National Grid ensures the reliability of its grid operations through various measures and innovative services.

41. National Grid Electricity System Operator Ltd manages supply and demand in real time.
42. The company oversees contingency coal contracts to ensure energy system reliability during high demand periods.
43. A demand flexibility service helps manage peak demand and reduce grid strain.
44. National Grid Ventures operates several interconnectors, including the planned Viking Link to Denmark.

Sustainability and Low-Carbon Goals

National Grid is committed to sustainability, promoting renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

45. The Isle of Grain LNG facility serves as the UK’s liquefied natural gas gateway to the European energy market.
46. A new unit called Strategic Infrastructure (SI) delivers transmission projects through the UK’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework.
47. The ASTI framework supports the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
48. National Grid’s distribution network connected 11.3 GW of power in mid-2023, with 7.5 GW being low-carbon generation.

Community and Customer Focus

National Grid engages with local communities and prioritizes customer satisfaction, ensuring its services meet their needs.

49. Various measures ensure grid reliability, including contingency planning and proactive maintenance.
50. National Grid engages with customers through various channels to gather feedback and improve services.

National Grid's Impact and Future

National Grid plc stands as a giant in the energy sector, with a rich history and a broad scope of operations. From managing the high-voltage transmission network in England and Wales to serving millions of customers in the US, National Grid plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable energy supply. Their commitment to sustainability, innovative projects like the electric vehicle charging network, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions highlight their forward-thinking approach. With nearly 30,000 employees and significant community involvement, National Grid is not just a utility company but a vital part of the communities it serves. As they continue to expand and innovate, National Grid's impact on the energy landscape will undoubtedly grow, contributing to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.