NIE Networks has launched its first-ever Network Development Plan, promising greater transparency on future investment in Northern Ireland's electricity distribution network and inviting broad stakeholder input.

Published on 23 July 2026, the inaugural NDP marks a step change in how NIE Networks sets out future investment needs and opportunities, aiming to improve engagement with customers, industry and other stakeholders.

The plan maps how the distribution network is expected to evolve over the next decade, through to winter 2035/36. It highlights forecast constraints and the interventions proposed to resolve them, giving unprecedented visibility of forthcoming works and priorities.

For the first time, the NDP provides a long-term view of forecast demand and generation headroom at every primary substation out to 2050. This offers customers and stakeholders clearer insight into where capacity may be available and where investment is likely to be targeted.

The portfolio currently includes 41 conventional reinforcement projects and seven flexibility projects, with the flexibility pipeline expected to expand as the market develops. Key highlights include expectations that more than 500 MVA of additional capacity will be released on the 33kV network across over 80 primary locations during the next ten years. Planned measures will also increase reverse power capability in key areas to support renewable generation and low-carbon technologies. Greater transparency is intended to enable earlier engagement with local communities and the Utility Regulator.

Stakeholder engagement sits at the heart of the plan. NIE Networks is inviting feedback from customers, developers, industry representatives and local communities to help shape future investment decisions. Further engagement is planned later this year, with the NDP acting as a foundation for ongoing discussion about the future evolution of Northern Ireland's electricity network.

Commenting on the publication, Roger Henderson, Network Assets & Investment Director, said: "The publication of our first Network Development Plan marks an important milestone in improving visibility of the electricity network across Northern Ireland. By providing a clearer picture of future network capacity, constraints and investment requirements, we are enabling earlier and more meaningful engagement with customers and stakeholders. Greater transparency helps everyone better understand how the network may develop in the future and creates opportunities for stakeholders to help shape those plans."

Supporting documents are available on the NIE Networks website, including Part 1 – Summary and Methodology Statement 2026, Part 2 – Network Development Report 2026, Part 3 – Network Scenario Headroom Report 2026 and the Consultation Summary 2026.