National Grid’s Distribution System Operator (DSO) has published its 2026 Network Development Plan (NDP), setting out how the distribution network will evolve to meet rising demand, enable low‑carbon technologies, and support sustainable growth across its licence areas.
The NDP provides a forward-looking view of the network, highlighting where capacity is available, where investment is needed, and how constraints will be managed.
It is designed to give local authorities, developers, investors, flexibility providers and wider stakeholders the confidence and insight they need to plan, connect, and operate within a rapidly changing energy system.
This launch marks an important step forward, not only in the depth of information being shared but in how that information is accessed and used. For the first time, network planning outputs that were previously published through static reports are now brought together in an interactive digital experience.
The interactive platform allows users to explore network insights across the full licence area or at Grid Supply Point level, search by local authority or postcode, and move from high-level summaries to detailed technical information.
Users can drill down through network overviews, network topology, identified constraints and planned solutions across each voltage level from the transmission / distribution boundary down to the 11kV/6.6kV network.
This layered approach ensures the NDP works for a wide range of users, from strategic planners seeking regional insight to technical specialists requiring detailed network information. By making complex data easier to navigate and interpret, the plan also supports faster, better informed decision‑making.
The enhancements reflect extensive engagement with stakeholders across local government, industry, and the flexibility market. Stakeholder feedback has shaped how information is presented, with a strong focus on clarity, accessibility, and practical value.
As a result, local authorities are better equipped to align energy planning with growth and decarbonisation objectives, developers and investors can more clearly understand capacity and connection opportunities, and flexibility providers can identify where their services can deliver the greatest impact.
Oliver Spink, Head of System Planning at National Grid DSO, said, “The 2026 Network Development Plan demonstrates National Grid Electricity Distribution’s commitment to unlocking economic growth through greater transparency, stronger collaboration, and more responsive network planning.
“By opening up network data in a more usable and accessible way, the NDP helps unlock collaboration across the energy system and ensures that infrastructure development aligns with the needs of the regions and communities it serves.”
The 2026 Network Development Plan and the new Area Summary Interactive Map are available now via the Network Opportunities Map: https://commercial.nationalgrid.co.uk/network-opportunity-map/.
