Electrical Substations: Fires
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has investigated the causes of fires at electrical substations in the last 12 months.
Answered by Michael Shanks
Maintaining the resilience and security of energy infrastructure is a top Government priority. Although rare, substation fires do occur, and we are aware of multiple recent incidents. These are reported to Government when there is a potential or actual impact to customer supplies. We are monitoring these incidents closely, as part of our normal processes for infrastructure incidents.
Due to the impact on Heathrow Airport following the fire at North Hyde Substation, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero commissioned the independent National Energy System Operator (NESO) to review the incident. NESO’s report was published on 2 July 2025 and the Department will respond in due course.
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