The latter also includes more effective communications with a social media approach. and more effective stakeholder engagement, to engage core stakeholders early to listen and take account of concerns before maturing plans too far.a pylon design competition, which selected a Tee design.a review of National Grids undergrounding policy, working with stakeholder groups, to take better account of local issues.An independent assessment of the costs of undergrounding cables ( which provided definitive costs in 2012 to refute some of the wilder claims).This reflection period resulted in lessons being identified and 4 key actions being taken: The project team had to stop and listen, to try to understand what was happening and why. Despite best efforts the consultation was perceived to be telling and not listening, and National Grid was seen to be very defensive. The consultation has been a major effort, starting in 2009 with 40 public events which raised a lot of emotive issues, including fear of health issues and damage to property prices, from the communities along the proposed route. This had started in 2009 with Strategic Options (Feasibility), and after 4 years of public consultation the project is almost ready for planning application in early 2014. This was driven by legislation and the 2008 Planning Act, which required the public to be consulted for major infrastructure projects. Ken explained the staged process National Grid use for initiating a project up to the planning application. This has led to the initiation of a number of transmission projects around the country, with Hinkley C being the highest profile. The future energy challenge has three main thrusts: sustainability, including target of 15% renewable and an 80% reduction in CO2 by 2050 affordability for the consumer and security of supply. National Grid is responsible for operating the high tension power lines of 275 to 400KV linking power stations with local power distributers who operate the 132KV and lower lines to our homes. Ken explained that National Grid was formed in 1990 with the privatisation of the Electricity Industry. We also welcomed Ivan Stone, who supported Ken with the Q&A. We had apologies from one of our speakers tonight, Peter Bryant, but were very pleased that Ken Murray agreed to provide the presentation on his own. A good turnout of 55 members attended this event which looked at the challenges of managing a major local project, the high tension connection between the new Hinkley Point C Power Station and the National Grid at Avonmouth. Corporate Member, Diligenta, kindly hosted this event at the Friends life Centre, North Bristol.
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