SSE's electricity transmission business, SSEN Transmission, has submitted a £22 billion investment plan to Ofgem for the RIIO-T3 period (2026-2031).

The plan, titled 'Delivering a Network for Net Zero: A Pathway to 2030', aims to:

• Ensure reliable energy supply

• Increase the capacity of the north of Scotland grid to meet 20% of GB's clean power demand

• Deliver lasting benefits to local communities and the economy

The £22 billion investment could potentially rise to £31.7 billion, depending on various factors such as regulatory approvals, government policy, and supply chain availability.

The investment is crucial for meeting UK and Scottish Government climate targets and will create thousands of jobs and boost economic growth.

Economic analysis suggests the investment could support up to 37,000 jobs across the UK, with 17,500 in Scotland and 8,400 in the north of Scotland. It could also add £15 billion in value to the UK economy.

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Alistair Phillips Davies, Chief Executive of SSE plc, said: "The RIIO-3 price control comes at a critical juncture in the effort to deliver a cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity system for current and future generations.

"With a new national mission to deliver clean power by 2030 in order to boost energy security and protect future consumers, unlocking the right level of investment during the next price control will be key.

"We're setting out today the extent of our ambition and commitment; it is now crucial that Ofgem backs that ambition with an investable and financeable framework, setting an appropriate cost of equity that recognises the unprecedented levels of investment required to decarbonise the economy and deliver a clean power system."

Rob McDonald, Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, said: "Our RIIO-T3 Business Plan sets out an ambitious, deliverable blueprint, to unlock the unprecedented levels of investment required to deliver UK and Scottish net zero and energy security targets, including the Clean Power by 2030 mission.

"In what is one of the largest investment programmes of all time in Scotland, this plan will also support tens thousands of jobs across the country, turbo-charging the economy and delivering a transformational and lasting legacy for communities, the economy and nature.

"We now look forward to working constructively with Ofgem, Government and wider stakeholders to ensure the future regulatory framework secures the investment required to support the nation's ambitious goals and delivers the vast economic opportunities the clean transition presents."