Households near new pylons to get hundreds off energy bills

Households near new pylons to get hundreds off energy bills

A new government initiative in Great Britain aims to provide financial relief to residents living near new pylons as part of efforts to enhance energy infrastructure. Households within 500m of newly installed or upgraded pylons will be eligible for discounts of up to £2,500 over a 10-year period, equivalent to £250 per year. This move is expected to minimize opposition and delays to crucial projects required for the advancement of cleaner energy sources.

In response to the government’s plans, rural campaign groups have expressed concerns regarding the impact on landscapes, highlighting the difficulty of quantifying the value of natural surroundings. Despite the necessity for additional pylons to meet clean energy targets, proposals for new infrastructure have faced strong resistance from residents in certain regions like Norfolk and Suffolk. The bill discounts are slated to take effect from 2026 and are a component of the government’s upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Moreover, aside from bill reductions, the government intends to issue new guidelines on how developers can contribute to communities hosting transmission infrastructure. This may involve funding projects such as sports clubs, educational initiatives, or recreational facilities. RenewableUK has welcomed these measures, emphasizing the importance of accelerating the development of grid infrastructure to capitalize on the abundance of clean energy being generated. On the other hand, CPRE, the countryside charity, has advocated for investments in local green spaces rather than compensating individuals for the landscape’s loss.

In a bid to streamline the planning process for new infrastructure projects, Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner affirmed the government’s commitment to engaging with local communities throughout the development process. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband echoed these sentiments, asserting that the proposed plans will contribute to building a sustainable and efficient clean power system for the country. The prospect of offering bill discounts to residents near new pylons has previously been suggested by the Conservative government, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance public acceptance of energy infrastructure projects

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