Written Statement: Update on the Independent Advisory Group on Electricity Networks (21 January 2026)

Today I have published the Report and recommendations of the Independent Advisory Group on Future Electricity Grid for Wales.

The Welsh Government has committed to setting out clear expectations for the electricity network, based on strong evidence that reflects the future needs of Wales's economy, environment and communities. We convened the Independent Advisory Group to build an understanding of the possible approaches to delivering electricity grid infrastructure and provide us with their recommendations about how the new networks we know we need in Wales should be delivered.

Members of the Independent Advisory Group were invited either due to their specific knowledge and expertise; or they were nominated by key expert stakeholder organisations. The independent members have contributed their knowledge on electricity networks, environmental impacts, socio-economic impacts, community interests, and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 to group discussions.

The group represented a wide range of views and experiences, and I greatly value the commitment of members to work through all of the diverse viewpoints to reach their conclusions. I would like to thank the Chair and all members for their time and attention to detail, and their constructive approach to the complex issues surrounding electricity networks.

This is an important first step in the work needed to support Wales having the network capacity we need to thrive in the 21^st century. I will now take the opportunity to consider the report and recommendations in detail.