Households living within 500 meters of new or upgraded pylons in Great Britain are set to receive bill discounts as part of a government plan to enhance the country’s energy infrastructure. Under the new initiative, residents could receive up to £2,500 in bill reductions over the next decade, equivalent to £250 annually.
The government hopes these incentives will help reduce opposition to new energy projects, which are necessary to meet clean energy goals. However, some rural campaign groups argue that no financial compensation can offset the loss of landscapes impacted by these developments.
A government-commissioned report highlighted that hundreds of miles of new pylons would be required to meet the nation’s clean energy targets. This new infrastructure is critical, but proposals have sparked strong opposition from residents, particularly in rural areas like Norfolk and Suffolk. Local campaigners fear that the projects will spoil the natural beauty of the countryside.
The bill discounts are expected to come into effect in 2026, as part of the government’s broader Planning and Infrastructure Bill, set to be published this week. This legislation aims to accelerate the construction of new homes and energy infrastructure by reducing bureaucracy and streamlining the planning process. The government hopes these changes will help stimulate economic growth and expedite essential projects.
In addition to financial incentives for affected households, the government plans to issue new guidelines for developers to ensure they contribute to the local communities hosting energy infrastructure. This could include funding for projects like sports clubs, educational programs, and leisure facilities. The government anticipates that communities will receive £200,000 per kilometer of overhead electricity cable and £530,000 per substation.
RenewableUK, the trade body representing the renewable energy sector, welcomed the proposal. James Robottom, head of policy at RenewableUK, stated that the bill discounts would help speed up the rollout of critical new grid infrastructure, which is vital for harnessing the country’s growing clean energy potential.
However, Jackie Copley, campaign lead at CPRE (the countryside charity), criticized the plan. She argued that investing in local green spaces or improving community infrastructure would be a better use of funds. Copley also raised concerns about fairness, legal challenges, and the inability to put a price on the destruction of landscapes.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner emphasized the need for local community involvement in the planning of new projects. She stated that the Planning and Infrastructure Bill would not only cut energy bills for those living near new developments but also help build a more prosperous and energy-secure future.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added that the plans would benefit the entire nation by ensuring the construction of a clean power system.
This proposal follows a similar initiative under the previous Conservative government. A 2024 survey found that 78% of people would find energy infrastructure projects more acceptable if they received bill discounts.
In related news, the government has announced plans to reduce the number of organizations consulted in planning decisions, potentially removing bodies like Sport England and the Theatres Trust from the list of “statutory consultees” to speed up the process.
