Electricity bills could be reduced for thousands of households living near new pylons under latest plans announced by the UK Government.
Households within 500 metres of new or upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure are set to save £2,500 over 10 years – a discount of up to £250 a year via their electricity bill, with the discounts being provided every six months.
A recent study found 77% of consumers said that new electricity network infrastructure in Britain would be acceptable but acceptability dropped to 61% for infrastructure in respondents’ local areas.
A consultation has been launched with the proposals included in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, with the move delivering on the government’s commitment to “get Britain building again” while ensuring those supporting the clean energy mission receive “direct, meaningful benefits”.
Rural communities across Britain could benefit most of all from the bill discounts as the government speeds up vital upgrades to the UK’s outdated electricity network.
Energy Consumers Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “As we build the infrastructure we need to deliver homegrown, affordable energy, communities must be given a stake.
“That is why we are teaming up with communities hosting new pylons to ensure they receive direct, tangible benefits.
“We are on the side of those who want Britain to get back to what it does best: building for the future, driving innovation and putting communities first.”
Around twice as much new transmission network infrastructure will be needed by 2030 as has been built in the past decade, with the government’s new planning reforms – announced earlier this year – aiming to remove barriers and back the builders.
‘Immediate and tangible benefit’ for local communities
Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive Officer of Energy UK welcomed the latest announcement.
She added: “Much of the country’s energy infrastructure was built several decades ago and designed for a system very different from the one we have today – or the one we need in the future. Expanding and upgrading the delivery of energy to homes and businesses is long overdue and urgently needed.
“Some areas and some customers will of course be particularly and physically affected by these efforts and the energy industry will continue to work with these communities to ensure that they can reap the benefits of these investments.:
“The introduction of a new approach to community benefits is welcome and marks a significant step in turning the proposals in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill into reality, helping to address the cost-of-living crisis and ensuring local communities that host clean power infrastructure feel an immediate and tangible benefit.”
People living near pylons could get £250 a year off energy bills appeared first on Energy Live News.