Prime minister Andy Burnham is expected to announce GB Grid, a government-backed body that would invest in electricity network projects and work alongside private firms. The proposal aims to increase competition, speed up connections and reduce costs as Britain faces high energy bills and prepares for a major expansion of its power infrastructure.

GB Grid could have up to £4bn to invest, compared with an estimated £70bn needed for grid investment over the next five years, so its influence may be limited. The plan would also let developers and businesses build more of their own connections, while GB Grid could co-invest with companies bidding for transmission work. Supporters say competition could improve delivery, drawing on an Irish scheme that reportedly cut connection times by 11 months; critics question whether a new state body will make a meaningful difference.