Views sought over cross-border power line

The National Grid said electricity demand was expected to increase by 50% over the next decade

People are being asked for their views on plans for a long-distance power line linking England and Scotland.

The National Grid said it was considering two possible routes, between a new substation in the Carlisle area and the England-Scotland border, close to Cumbria's most northerly point.

The company said the high-voltage line was needed because electricity demand was expected to increase by 50% over the next decade.

The National Grid said the public consultation runs until 10 December and if the government approves the plans, construction could start in 2030.

It also said the National Energy System Operator (NESO), the organisation that moves power around Great Britain, identified that more grid capacity was "urgently needed" between England and Scotland to transport cleaner electricity from sources like onshore and offshore wind.

The company said its proposed new 400kV connection would carry up to 6.9 GW of electricity, that it estimated would be enough to power about six million homes.

An existing typical substation at Bicker Fen, Lincolnshire

The proposed line would run from the England–Scotland border near Kershopefoot, to a new substation on one of two possible sites near Carlisle.

One is to the north of the city, near Harker, where there is an existing substation, and the other is to the south east, near Junction 42 of the M6.

The first option would involve constructing about 28km (17.3 miles) of line, while National Grid said the second would need a longer route of about 47km (29.2 miles).

The company said the Scottish section of the project, along a route from the proposed Gala North Substation to the border, was being developed and consulted on separately by SP Energy Networks.

Since plans for the Cross Border Connection were revealed last year, protest groups were formed in communities near the proposed pylons.

Following the backlash, Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) altered several sections of the 57-mile route.

Meanwhile, in Cumbria the National Grid said it would deliver about 11,000 newsletters and hold community events and online webinars.

It said the feedback would "refine project proposals" and added it would work with wildlife experts and heritage organisations to "respect important landscapes".

A decision on whether to approve the scheme will be taken by the government.