As a responsible company, we believe it is right, proper, and necessary to engage with governments at all levels on subjects of legitimate concern to the company and to our stakeholders.
Governments and regulators depend on the expertise of companies like National Grid to help formulate policy, sound legislation, and regulation. National Grid must participate through appropriate and lawful avenues, making sure the best information and analysis is available.
Lobbying activity conducted by National Grid and its affiliates is undertaken only by those employees authorised to do so. Our Corporate Affairs Directorate co-ordinates the Company’s engagement with UK, European and US government officials and policy makers, including elected representatives. It is responsible for making sure we comply with all relevant laws, rules and regulations for ensuring our lobbying activities are in accordance with accepted good practice. It is also responsible for making sure all employees engaged in such activities comply with the Company’s Standards of Ethical Business Conduct.
National Grid within the U.K. does not contribute, whether in cash or in kind, to any political candidate, political party or organisation whose activities are designed to promote the interests of political parties or political ideologies.
National Grid corporate entities do not contribute, whether in cash or in kind, in connection with U.S. Federal elections. Consistent with its peer companies, our US holding company, National Grid USA, and certain of its direct and indirect U.S. subsidiaries, may make lawful contributions in connection with New York and New Hampshire state elections. When made, such contributions are in full compliance with all laws and regulations, and are overseen by Corporate Affairs, with assistance from the Legal Department, where necessary. Other than these New York and New Hampshire contributions by certain U.S. affiliates, National Grid corporate entities do not contribute, whether in cash or in kind, in connection with U.S. State or local elections.
Our U.S. holding company, National Grid USA, has an affiliated federal Political Action Committee, an affiliated New York State Political Action Committee, and an affiliated New Hampshire Political Action Committee (PACs). These PACs enable our U.S. employees to support collectively the election of selected political candidates. Employee participation in the PACs is strictly voluntary. These PACs adhere to all applicable Federal and state laws, rules and regulations.