HEATHROW may sue the National Grid after a probe found a fault causing the huge substation fire was identified seven years ago.
The blaze in March halted flights for 24 hours — affecting 270,000 passengers and costing the airport millions.
A probe by the National Energy System Operator found faulty fire safety equipment and moisture in electrical parts flagged in 2018 were not addressed, and maintenance was delayed again in 2022.
The North Hyde substation fire was caused by “catastrophic failure” in a transformer, triggered by moisture entering electrical components.
Heathrow’s network was not designed to recover quickly.
The airport said it was making improvements.
Energy watchdog Ofgem has now launched a probe into the National Grid, which could result in fines.
Heathrow said: “A combination of outdated regulation, inadequate safety mechanisms and National Grid’s failure to maintain infrastructure led to this catastrophic power outage.”
National Grid said it had “taken action”.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called the findings “concerning” and promised action to prevent similar incidents.
Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, handled over 83.9million passengers in 2024.
Heathrow may sue the National Grid after a probe found a fault causing the huge substation fire was identified seven years ago[/caption]
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