National Grid has launched an eight-week public consultation on its Cross Border Connection project, part of The Great Grid Upgrade, which aims to expand the UK’s electricity network and deliver cleaner, more affordable power between Scotland and northern England.
The proposed development includes a new overhead electricity line and substation in the Carlisle area to help meet rising demand and strengthen connections across the border.
Two potential routes are under consideration – one ending at a new substation north of Carlisle near Harker, spanning about 28km, and another ending south of the city, extending around 47km and crossing Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site as underground remains.
The project could carry up to 6.9GW of electricity, enough to power six million homes, and forms part of efforts to transport renewable generation from onshore and offshore wind developments to where it is needed most.
National Grid said the scheme is expected to deliver millions of pounds in community benefit funding, support local jobs, and enhance the natural environment along the route.
Angela Hosford, project director for Cross Border Connection at National Grid, said: “This is an important project for the region and for the country. 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.
“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. We’re committed to listening and working with communities every step of the way.”
The consultation runs from 15 October to 10 December 2025 and includes six in-person events, four webinars and more than 11,000 newsletters distributed to local homes and businesses.