Households near new pylons to get hundreds off energy bills
Political journalist
Getty ImagesPeople living near the UK’s new tower will cut bills by hundreds of pounds as part of the government’s plan to promote energy infrastructure.
Families within 500 million new or upgraded towers will receive a discount of up to £2,500 over 10 years, equivalent to £250 per year.
The government said such incentives could help reduce opposition and delay new projects to provide more clean energy.
However, rural campaign groups said it was “it was impossible to pay the price for losing the landscape.”
Bill discounts are expected to begin in 2026.
The idea forms part of the Government Programs and Infrastructure Act, which will be published this week.
The legislation aims to accelerate the construction of new homes and infrastructure by cutting the traditional Chinese tape festival and simplifying the planning process, while the government places change at its core in promoting economic growth.
In addition to bills, the government will also publish new guidelines on how developers should benefit managed transmission infrastructure by funding projects such as sports clubs, education programs or leisure facilities.
The government said this means that the community could receive £200,000 in funding per kilometer of high-altitude power cables and each substation in their area.
The government is also studying how communities near onshore wind farms and other energy infrastructure can get benefits.
The program is welcomed by Renewableuk, which represents the industry.
James Robottom, the organization’s policy director, said the Bill Discount will “help launch much-needed new grid infrastructure faster so that we can make the most of the cleaning capacity we produce.”
But Jackie Copley, head of the campaign for rural charity CPRE, said: “Investing in local green spaces or improving community infrastructure will be a better way to spend money.
“Paying individuals have encountered many problems, including fairness issues, possible legal challenges, and the impossibility of compensation for losing the landscape.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Minister Angela Rayner said: “It is no longer a question of whether we have built the new infrastructure we need, but rather about how and must be locked in the local community.
“This government’s Planning and Infrastructure Act will cut energy costs for locals living near new projects, so they benefit as we advance our mission to achieve a more prosperous and energetic security future for the next generation.”
Energy Minister Ed Miliband said the plans will also “benefit the entire country by ensuring we build the clean energy systems we need”.
Give people the idea of making money from energy bills for people living near new towers It was also proposed by the former Conservative government.
Government Investigation in 2024 It is recommended that 78% of people will find an energy infrastructure project if they get a discount on the bill.
Some energy companies have already offered bill discounts to customers who live near infrastructure such as wind turbines, and the affected local communities can also offer grants.
