The T-Pylon design became winner in an international competition to find a 21st century design for carrying high voltage overhead lines. National Grid UK has begun construction of a line of the new high voltage T-Pylons, which at 35 metres are up to a thrid lower than traditional lattice towers. Six of the new pylons have been erected at National Grid's training academy in Eakring, Nottinghamshire, each demonstrating a different function in the network.

The T-Pylon is a structure of only few parts, can be erected quickly, and requires virtually no maintenance. The radical innovation is the reassessment of the conductor/cable arrangement. The prismatic configuration of the cables allows a reduction in the pylon's height by more than 30%. The footprint of the power lines as well as the electro-magnetic field (EMF) radiation is reduced.

The most remarkable characteristic of the T-Pylon design is that all conductors are carried by a single attachment point. Traditionally, such a structure would have three separate arms - each carrying an individual conductor. This unique attachment point was studied closely to ensure its robustness and resistance to fatigue. Complex analysis and physical loading tests were carried out to simulate climatic conditions such as extreme winds and ice loads. Investigations were made into the dynamic performance of the structure under simulated vibrations. 

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