People living near pylons to pay less for power

Energy Minister says households in 43 locations could each save up to £2,500 over 10 years. 

The government has announced plans to upgrade the national electricity grid, which was largely built in the 1960s. The work will include connections to new, cleaner sources of electricity such as wind and solar, meaning greener power for everyone and boosting the country’s energy security. 

These upgrades should bring down energy bills for everyone. But the government also says that, from next year, those living within 500 of pylons and the work being done could qualify for further savings. Some 43 locations, ranging from the south of England to the Scottish Highlands, have been selected for the scheme. Through the scheme, eligible households could each save up to £2,500 over 10 years. 

The scheme applies only to projects where construction began on or after March 10, 2025. Households will be in scope for discounts only once all required consents have been granted and construction work begun. 

Of course, the discount scheme ought to help smooth that process, encouraging local people to support the upgrade work. 

Over the next few months, energy suppliers or regulator Ofgem will contact households thought to be eligible. One a household joins the scheme, in most cases energy suppliers will automatically add the discount to bills ever six months but some households – such as those on household meters – may need to apply. 

The government says the initiative is part of its wider plan to bring down household bills, which has so far included its ‘breathing space’ cut to VAT on electricity. The 43 transmission projects announced today are just the initial phase of upgrades. 

Similar schemes have run in the past. For example, £4m has been assigned to support community projects in the area around National Grid’s Bramford to Twinstead reinforcement project, and £2.4m for the community around SP Energy Networks’ Chirmorie project in Scotland. 

Michael Shanks MP, Minister of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, says: ‘ Upgrading Britain’s electricity grid is a vital part of how we deliver secure, homegrown energy and unlock economic growth across the country. It is a moment of national renewal – upgrading what was built largely in the 1960s for the modern age to bring down electricity bills for households across the country. 

‘It’s vital we build again as a country and we are determined those communities which host pylons should benefit, which is why we’re bringing down the energy bills of those hosting this vital national infrastructure.’ 

Photo: Compagnons / Unsplash

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