The Electricity Transmission System

Pylons and lines are either operated on a national basis by National Grid Transco for the higher voltage equipment, or on a regional basis by the various regional electricity companies, who operate the other pylons and lines.

National Grid Transco alone, operates 7,000 kilometres of high voltage pylon line.

In order to operate effectively, their lines need to run across private property. The right to do this is usually through negotiation with a property owner through either a periodic wayleave or a permanent easement.