The UK’s aging electrical infrastructure is under scrutiny following the recent North Hyde fire, which highlighted the country’s reliance on outdated equipment. According to experts, the sheer age of the transformers involved in the blaze may have contributed to the disaster.
Col Ingram, a former expert who initially suspected foul play, now believes that human error and neglect are more likely causes of the fires than foreign sabotage. He points to poor maintenance and inadequate funding as primary culprits behind the North Hyde incident.
The UK’s transmission network is dominated by equipment installed in the 1950s and 1960s, with many pieces of gear still in use today despite having a design life of around 40 years. The privatization of energy companies has led to a perverse incentive for firms to underinvest in replacement costs, banking profits instead.
Experts warn that this systemic issue can lead to “asset-sweating,” where companies prioritize short-term gains over long-term maintenance, resulting in a creeping fragility in the network. A former CEGB engineer notes that aged equipment can become contaminated with water, increasing the risk of fires and other hazards.
As Britain transitions towards net zero, the strain on the electrical grid is expected to rise, with demand projected to increase by 33% by 2030. The aging infrastructure raises concerns about the country’s ability to meet this growing demand without further disruptions.
The “dirty power” crisis has become a pressing issue, with many experts questioning whether foreign sabotage or human error is more likely cause of recent fires.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/23/eight-uk-substation-fires-is-it-russian-sabotage