London, Jan 19, 2026, 09:04 GMT — Regular session
- National Grid shares held steady early Monday, staying close to a 52-week peak
- Investors are weighing objections to the Norwich-to-Tilbury power link and fresh consultations on proposed changes
- The next priority is the feedback deadlines alongside the project’s planning timetable
National Grid (NG.) shares edged down slightly in early London trading on Monday, slipping 0.04% to 1,201 pence by 0905 GMT, having just hit the upper boundary of their 52-week range. 1
The stock’s quiet reaction hides a real concern for investors: how fast the utility can navigate Britain’s planning process for major transmission projects, and the potential impact of delays on costs and timelines.
A weekend report revealed objections from Network Rail, BP, and Northumbrian Water to National Grid’s Norwich-to-Tilbury power line plan. Network Rail flagged “unacceptable levels of safety risk” to the railway as a key concern. Sam Richards, Britain Remade’s CEO, slammed the situation, saying it “cannot be right” that essential upgrades are being stalled. 2
National Grid announced it will launch a targeted consultation starting Monday on two small local adjustments to the project near Bulphan and Little Bromley, ahead of requesting changes during the examination phase. 3
The company described the Norwich-to-Tilbury project as a “Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project” and a “Critical National Priority.” It announced that the consultation period for proposed changes will run from 12 noon on Jan. 19 until 23:59 on Feb. 23. The Development Consent Order (DCO) serves as the UK’s planning process for major infrastructure. 4
National Grid calls the Norwich-to-Tilbury link a key piece of its Great Grid Upgrade, a broader initiative estimated to cost around £30 billion. The project’s goal is to bring more clean energy online and boost the network’s resilience. 5
National Grid, a leading UK utility, operates regulated electricity networks across Britain and runs regulated electricity and gas businesses in parts of the northeastern U.S., including New York and New England. 6
Utilities often behave like rate-sensitive stocks, attracting buyers seeking steady cash flows. Yet, execution on large projects remains crucial—and this one is sizable.
The risk is that objections solidify into conditions, re-routes, or delays, pushing projects further down the line and driving up costs. This can squeeze returns, even for regulated assets, when investment and delivery get out of sync.
Traders are waiting to see if the two change requests will be formally submitted for DCO examination, and how fast the planning process might move forward.
National Grid has public events lined up for Jan. 28 and Jan. 29, followed by online webinars on Feb. 3 and Feb. 4. All are scheduled before the consultation deadline on Feb. 23.
