Thousands of households living near new or upgraded pylons are set to get money off their electricity bills. People in 43 locations across the UK will benefit from the Bill Discount Scheme, with the first payments starting from next year. Those living within 500 metres of the large metal structures in the areas are expected to receive £2,500 off their electricity bills over 10 years.
Government says scheme rewards communities hosting infrastructure
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: "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 and is our route to bringing down electricity bills for households across the country."
The Minister said: "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."
First wave includes 43 areas, more to follow
The 43 areas are part of the first wave of locations, with more to follow as the scheme is rolled out. It is expected that more than one hundred thousand homes will be eligible for a bill discount between now and 2044.
Most eligible households will receive the money off automatically on their electricity bill every six months via their energy supplier. But some may need to apply such as those on commercial meters.
Criticism from Reform UK
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice, who is also the party's energy spokesman, branded the plans as a "£20-a-month bribe" as he hit out at the "failed net zero agenda".
He said: "This announcement is simply a £20-a-month bribe for families whose homes will be permanently devalued by tens of thousands because of towering eyesore pylons. It insults the intelligence of every British household, especially when new cables should be placed underground where possible instead of scarring our landscape.
"These cables exist solely to prop up the failed net zero agenda which is locking tens of billions of pounds onto energy bills. Scrap net zero and the need for most of these new transmission cables vanishes."
Pylons debate: net zero vs. landscape concerns
Pylons are used to carry electricity but many people do not want to live near the large structures. Those in favour of pylons say they are needed as part of the move to net zero and that they are cheaper to build and maintain than underground alternatives. But critics argue they are an eyesore on the landscape and have concerns about the impact on wildlife.
The 43 eligible areas include projects by National Grid Electricity Transmission, SSEN Transmission, and SP Energy Networks, spanning locations from North London to the Scottish Highlands, including sub-sea projects like Eastern Green Link 3 and 4.
