Wedoany.com Report-Dec.22, National Grid has successfully energized the first of two new transmission circuits as part of its £1 billion London Power Tunnels 2 (LPT2) project. Electricity is now flowing through the 18-kilometre underground connection between New Cross substation in Southwark and Hurst substation in Bexley.

The new circuit runs through deep tunnels beneath South London, reaching depths of up to 50 metres. It replaces one of two older direct-buried cables that have served the area since the 1960s. The second legacy cable will be decommissioned when the remaining New Cross-Hurst circuit becomes operational in the new year. At nearly 22 kilometres, the original cables have been among the longest alternating current transmission links in the England and Wales network.

Joe Senior, project director at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said: "Switching on this circuit on a new part of our London Power Tunnels 2 project is a significant achievement for our engineering and delivery teams. This milestone in the project marks another step in reinforcing London's electricity network and keeping the city connected to safe and reliable power into the future."

The newly activated circuit supplies electricity to around 340,000 properties in Southeast London, delivering power into UK Power Networks' distribution system through the substations at New Cross and Hurst.

Earlier sections of the LPT2 route, including the first two circuits between Hurst and Crayford covering 2.5 kilometres, were brought into service in August 2024 and March 2025.

The complete London Power Tunnels 2 project extends 32.5 kilometres from Wimbledon to Hurst, passing beneath seven South London boroughs. Work began in 2019, with National Grid partnering with contractors Hochtief-Murphy Joint Venture (HMJV), Taihan, Balfour Beatty, and Linxon.

Mete Coban, deputy mayor of London for energy and environment, said: "It's fantastic to see electricity flowing through a new part of the London Power Tunnels. This circuit ensures homes, schools and local communities in South London are one step closer to having the power they need for the future, as we continue building a better London for everyone."

This development enhances the reliability and capacity of London's electricity infrastructure, supporting continued growth and stability in power supply across the capital.