Britain’s energy regulator Ofgem approved a £642.1 million cost allowance on 19 October for National Grid Electricity Transmission’s Bramford-to-Twinstead project in East Anglia. That is £60.6 million below the company’s £702.7 million request. The project will reinforce the network between Suffolk and Essex with 18 kilometres of new overhead line, 11 kilometres of underground cable, a new substation at Twinstead Green and upgrades to the existing Bramford substation.

Ofgem said additional capacity should help connect more renewable and low-carbon generation and reduce grid-constraint costs. The project is part of the ASTI framework, which fast-tracks 26 strategic transmission projects. The regulator clarified that £642.1 million is not a direct payment: efficient costs are recovered by the transmission owner over time through regulated revenues and network charges on consumer bills. Ofgem said it will continue to scrutinise future spending.