New role in explaining energy policy

National Grid has perceived a change in its role within the bigger picture of energy policy – independent from specific projects. The company understands that explaining the context and consequences of political decisions is becoming increasingly more necessary if it aims to succeed in achieving social acceptance of specific projects. National Grid reported that citizens are only willing to engage and potentially accept the consequences on a local level when they have a better understanding of the bigger picture.

Recognising that the communication of specific projects always starts with explaining the general energy policy, National Grid began adding, for example a short animation to its project websites, which explains where gas and electricity come from and how National Grid sources and delivers energy to homes around the country. National Grid states that these instruments help to achieve acceptance of the general need for grids.

Since beginning this practice, they have continued to create and upload many videos on different aspects of the energy system to their YouTube channel and continue to use videos as a mean of reaching public stakeholders. These include videos on frequency response, sustainability, balancing services and on 'energy changers' - which feature profile videos of National Grid staff members.