The Electricity System

In the UK, energy is supplied to consumers via three main routes:

As electricity, via the electricity network
As gas, via the gas pipeline network
As oil and gas via the transport network

Most of the UK mainland is covered by the electricity grid although there are some off grid communities on the mainland (such as on the Knoydart peninsula) and a number of islands which are not. More information on this is available in the National Grid section.

The National Grid

The national grid consists of the Transmission System, which carries high voltage electricity across the UK (link); and the Distribution Network, which delivers electricity locally. Power is supplied by a combination of large power stations directly connected to the Transmission system as well as smaller generators located or ‘embedded’ on the Distribution Network.

In Scotland, both networks are owned and operated by Scottish Power Energy Networks and Scottish and Southern Energy Networks; in England and Wales, by National Grid and separate distribution companies.

There are many community renewable energy projects in the UK which are connected and supply ‘green’ electricity to the Distribution Network. Some larger community-owned projects have a direct connection to the Transmission Network.

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