National Grid plc : National Grid keeps the lights on with minimal fuss in East Thurrock

National Grid will be keeping people "plugged in" to vital power supplies using an existing substation rather than building a new one.

A number of potential sites had originally been identified for a new substation to connect the Gateway Energy Centre, a proposed new gas-fired power station, to the national grid, which transports electricity supplies around the country.

National Grid undertook a wide-ranging public consultation and completed exhaustive technical studies into the plans for connecting the power station to the transmission system (or National Grid if preferred). However, a recent review found that with fewer power generators than originally anticipated needing connecting to the grid in the area, the power station could be connected using the existing substation at South Coryton.

The new proposal involves a minor expansion of the existing substation on land owned either by National Grid or the power station developer InterGen.

Project Manager Brian Smethurst said: "National Grid always looks at connecting new generators to the grid using our existing transmission network and infrastructure first rather than building new infrastructure.

"This vital scheme will deliver the best of both worlds to people. It will help ensure they continue to enjoy safe and reliable electricity supplies with little or no impact on the local area."

He added: "I would like to thank all those who took part in our public consultation, your feedback was greatly appreciated."

A planning application for the new scheme will be submitted to Thurrock Council and it is hoped work will be completed by 2014.

For more information on the scheme call 0800 319 6165, email [e-mail]

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Contact for media information only:

Antony Quarrell
National Grid Media Relations

07810 853075
[e-mail]

Out of hours duty press officer:
01926 653000

National Grid

National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE:NGG) is an electricity and gas company that connects consumers to energy sources through its networks.  The company is at the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing our society - to create new, sustainable energy solutions for the future and developing an energy system that underpins economic prosperity in the 21st century.  National Grid holds a vital position at the centre of the energy system and we 'join everything up'. 

In Britain, we run the gas and electricity systems that our society is built on, delivering gas and electricity across the country.  In the North Eastern US, we connect more than seven million gas and electric customers to vital energy sources, essential for our modern lifestyles.

National Grid in the UK:

• We own the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales, operating it across Great Britain
• We own and operates the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain
• Our gas distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses
• We also own a number of related businesses including LNG importation, land remediation and metering
• National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service free phone line on behalf of the industry - 0800 111 999 (all calls are recorded and may be monitored).