Andy Burnham is set to announce the creation of a new public body, named Great British Grid (GB Grid), aimed at revitalizing the United Kingdom's electricity infrastructure. The proposal, slated for unveiling in his first party conference speech as Labour leader on Tuesday in Liverpool, intends to significantly speed up grid hook-ups by fostering competition for connection projects.

This initiative is positioned as a cornerstone of a broader ambition to align UK energy costs with those of other European nations within a decade. Burnham plans to address long-standing issues in the energy sector that have been neglected, promising a transparent approach to tackling critical challenges. The establishment of GB Grid is framed as the first major step towards increasing public control over essential utilities, a central theme of his leadership campaign.

Faster connections to the electricity grid are seen as a crucial element in alleviating the current energy cost crisis, which has severely impacted businesses. While specific operational details are still emerging, Labour has indicated that GB Grid will invest in and actively compete for transmission connection projects. This will be undertaken alongside the three private companies currently responsible for managing Britain's grid infrastructure.

Furthermore, the new body is designed to simplify the process for companies seeking grid connections. GB Grid is expected to support and potentially co-invest in connection infrastructure projects, enabling firms to finance these developments themselves. Funding for GB Grid is planned to be sourced from the existing budget of GB Energy, the public green investment company established by Labour last year.

The need for significant grid upgrades is underscored by the ongoing transition from fossil fuel power stations to renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind farms, which often require connections in more remote locations. The energy regulator, Ofgem, estimates that the transmission grid will require approximately £70 billion in investment between 2025 and 2031, a substantial increase from current investment levels. The National Audit Office has recently highlighted growing delays and a significant backlog of projects awaiting grid connection.

In his speech, Burnham is expected to emphasize that GB Grid will collaborate with the private sector and existing network companies to reform what he describes as a "broken energy market." He aims to increase competition, thereby reducing costs and accelerating project delivery, enabling businesses to connect more rapidly and foster quicker growth. This move is presented as a tangible outcome of greater public control.

Burnham's speech is anticipated to convey a message of "bold and honest leadership," outlining policies designed to offer a "serious prospectus for Britain" and empower citizens with more control over their lives. He is expected to contrast this approach with a more traditional, celebratory conference speech, stating that a sense of patriotism compels a different, more substantive direction.

The broader theme for the four-day conference is hope, with Burnham's announcement on GB Grid aiming to provide concrete policy proposals to support this message and address the pressing concerns of the electorate regarding energy costs and infrastructure.