National Grid has begun an eight-week public consultation on its proposed Cross Border Connection project, part of a wider national effort to strengthen the UK’s electricity network and accommodate growing demand for renewable energy.
The proposed development includes a new overhead power line and substation in the Carlisle area, aimed at increasing transmission capacity between Scotland and northern England. The project is part of The Great Grid Upgrade, a nationwide programme to modernise the energy grid and support the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Two route options are currently under review. One would extend approximately 28 kilometres to a substation north of Carlisle near Harker, while the other would run about 47 kilometres to the south of the city, crossing the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site as underground remains.
If approved, the infrastructure could transport up to 6.9 gigawatts of electricity—enough to power six million homes—and enable the transfer of renewable energy generated from wind projects to areas with higher demand.
“This is an important project for the region and for the country,” said Angela Hosford, project director for Cross Border Connection at National Grid. “Electricity demand is set to grow by around 50% over the next decade including here in Cumbria, and this project will help bring cleaner, secure, home-grown energy from more affordable sources onto the grid and deliver it to where it’s needed most.”
The company said the scheme is expected to generate millions of pounds in community benefit funding, support local employment, and incorporate measures to enhance the surrounding environment.
The consultation will run from 15 October to 10 December 2025. National Grid will hold six in-person events, four webinars, and has distributed more than 11,000 newsletters to households and businesses in the area.
“We’re at an early stage in the design process, and the feedback we receive during this consultation will play a crucial role in shaping how we move forward,” Hosford said. “We’re committed to listening and working with communities every step of the way.
