Moving the Grid Forward

 

A blog by SSEN Transmission’s Head of Communications and Brand, Kevin Pringle

We have recently marked a proud milestone with the launch of Moving the Grid Forward - a media and information campaign that brings together the UK’s three Transmission Operators with a shared purpose to shine a light on the work needed to upgrade the electricity grid across Scotland, England and Wales. 

In partnership with ScottishPower Energy Networks (SPEN), National Grid, and co-ordinated by the Energy Networks Association (ENA), this campaign explains why these upgrades are so important for delivering a cleaner, greener future. 
 
For many, the electricity grid is something in the background. It’s expected to work, without much thought given as to how or why.  

The reality is, the grid we all rely on wasn’t built for the demands of modern life, let alone the rapid growth of renewable energy we’re seeing - and will continue to see - in the years ahead. Scotland, and the north of Scotland in particular, can be a renewables powerhouse supporting jobs, investment, and long-term benefits for local communities. But to unlock that potential, we need a grid that’s ready for it. 

That’s exactly what Moving the Grid Forward sets out to explain. This campaign isn’t just about showing pylons, cables or substations - it’s about progress. It’s about connecting clean energy to homes and businesses, building energy security, supporting economic growth, and securing a sustainable future for generations to come. 

After the preparation, it’s fantastic to see this campaign out in the public domain. It builds on the hard work our teams have been doing - both on the ground and through initiatives like our £20bn Pathway to 2030 programme - to engage with communities and increase understanding of why this infrastructure matters.  

When we move the grid forward, we move everyone forward. These critical upgrades are about more than energy - they’re about enabling a better, more secure future for us all.