Challenge
National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade – the UK’s largest electricity transmission overhaul – faces complex planning, intense public scrutiny and strong local opposition, particularly in East Anglia, where 50,000+ properties are affected.
Approach
Copper has led community relations, political engagement and consultation across flagship schemes such as Yorkshire Green, Norwich to Tilbury, and North Humber to High Marnham by:
- developing clear, benefit-led narratives that balance national need with local impact
- advising senior stakeholders, including National Grid’s CEO, on managing MP and community opposition
- using a bespoke customer relationship management system and digital-first engagement strategy to track and respond to feedback in real time.
Value delivered
- Enabled productive engagement on high-profile, complex projects, including several currently in consultation or Development Consent Order examination
- Supported National Grid in building public trust and political understanding of nationally critical infrastructure
- Strengthened the foundation for delivering a net-zero-ready electricity network