Government announces new publicly-owned grid company

According to reports published today, Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to announce the creation of a new national body, GB Grid, in his speech at Labour Party Conference. It's thought the new publicly-owned company will aid the energy transition, support key upgrades to infrastructure and help to bring down energy bills.

Responding to the news, Rosie Downes, head of campaigns at Friends of the Earth, said:

"For too long people have struggled to afford their bills, while watching energy bosses rake in eye-watering profits.

"In the face of the cost of living and climate crises, upgrading the energy grid is an urgent priority so that the UK can take full advantage of our homegrown renewable energy and bring down bills for everyone.

"Greater public control and ownership of energy is how we can end the scourge of ordinary people being ripped off by energy companies who continue to pollute the planet. The creation of GB Grid should be the first of many steps towards building a greener, fairer future powered by clean energy for people, not profit."