Andy Burnham is expected to announce the launch of 'GB Grid' during his upcoming conference speech, marking a shift toward increased public involvement in the UK's utility sector. The new body will be tasked with investing in the national electricity grid, effectively positioning the government as a competitor to established private firms like the National Grid.

This move represents a significant step in Burnham’s broader political agenda to bring essential services under public control. The project will be financed by reallocating funds that were originally designated for Great British Energy. While the announcement is framed as a fulfillment of campaign promises to prioritize public oversight of critical infrastructure, the government is reportedly still navigating the logistical and financial complexities of implementing such a transition. The initiative signals a departure from the current model of private-sector dominance in utility management, though specific details regarding the scale of the investment and the timeline for implementation remain to be fully clarified.