Whilst the case is of the UK, the same thing can happen on a larger or smaller scale in any other countrys. Certainly more to power distribution than you would initial think, large as well as small. Think circuit diagram almost, and the design considerations with aspects of those and how addressed. Not many wonder large capacitors around alas, water dams/pumped when capacity needs to take the excess and ontap when you need to handle a surge in demand that would cause all sorts of fun if not met. Truely is a balancing act in many aspects.