Corporate Social Responsibility

TenneT is charged with the task of ensuring an efficient and reliable supply of energy. This statutory duty brings certain responsibilities with it. TenneT is committed to dealing with people and their environment (residential or otherwise) with care and respect.

In recent years, TenneT has embedded the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in its policies and operational processes in several ways. CSR is not a discrete concept, however; it is becoming an increasingly natural part of our day-to-day operations. Where possible we lay cables underground, we paint electricity pylons in the most environmentally-friendly way possible, we use special wire spirals to prevent birds from flying into high-voltage lines, and we adhere to the strict conditions imposed on the use of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas. TenneT also makes every effort to limit noise nuisance with better insulation and noise screens, and we do all we can to protect people from long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

In its CSR policy, TenneT is guided by the 'triple bottom line' concept of People, Planet and Profit. In an ideal world, all three could be given equal value, but this is not always possible. Sometimes one interest outweighs another. These are difficult choices, and conflicts of interests often arise. Installing a high-voltage line underground prevents visual pollution of the landscape, for example, but it is much more expensive than an above-ground grid, and the behaviour of very long 380 kV underground cables is as yet unknown territory. TenneT always endeavours to explain the choices it makes and the reasons for making them. These choices are not always made by TenneT on its own, however. The organisation is also guided by social interests.