What Can We Expect from RIIO-T3?

At Omnia Projects, we believe it’s important to understand the changes and developments which are happening in our industry. Central to this, of course, is National Grid, who, along with other transmission operators, recently announced their RIIO-T3 business plan, spanning from 2026 to 2031. This sets out National Grid’s ambitions over the next five years, giving us a comprehensive view of what to expect not only within the power sector, but as members of local and national communities where our future, as much as everyone else's, rests on a strong electricity industry which can continue to prioritise clean, green energy.

What can we actually expect from RIIO-T3?

National Grid intends to invest roughly £35.1 billion in the UK electricity transmission network between April 2026 and March 2031. This is around 2.5 times larger than the amount presented in National Grid’s RIIO-T2 plan, which began in 2021 and will conclude in March 2026.

Other transmission operators will also invest significant amounts in Britain’s electricity infrastructure between 2026 and 2031: Scottish and Southern Energy Networks have announced a figure of 22.3 billion, while Scottish Power Energy Networks have allotted 10.6 billion for spending.

Together, this totals a sizable £77.4 billion investment for the UK transmission system between 2026 and 2031.

What will the RIIO-T3 investment be used for?

National Grid consulted with stakeholders and consumers all around the country to ensure that RIIO-T3 is tailored to provide each region with what local voices consider most important, from ensuring the reliability of electricity networks to improving biodiversity. In “making “coordinated decisions about when, where and how to upgrade the Grid”, NG hopes to strike the balance between technical efficiency and thoughtful, people-driven development.

As for the core, country-wide improvements that we can expect to see in the RIIO-T3 period, National Grid is promising an ambitious programme of maintenance, and redevelopment- replacing aging infrastructure, seeking green energy solutions wherever possible, and continuing to work towards net zero targets.

What does this mean for Omnia Projects?

“It’s a great time to work in the British power sector,” says Rob Martin, Director of Engineering and Consultancy here at Omnia. “We’re confident that the £35.1 billion investment promised by RIIO-T3 will create unparalleled opportunities to provide the UK with a clean, dependable energy infrastructure. Every year, we get closer to those all-important decarbonisation targets, so to know that Omnia Projects is in the best possible place to make a real difference and help deliver this once-in-a-generation upgrade to the current Grid is an incredibly exciting prospect. This planned investment represents a positive step towards creating a power network that addresses regional issues, and I think I speak for everyone at Omnia when I say that we’re all pleased to continue working alongside National Grid and are hugely looking forward to the T3 period."