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Families Near New Pylons to Receive £2,500 Energy Bill Discounts

The UK Government has announced plans to provide families living near new electricity pylons with financial incentives to support the development of essential transmission infrastructure. Under the proposal, households located within 500 metres of new or upgraded electricity transmission lines could receive a £125 discount on their energy bills every six months for ten years, totaling up to £2,500.

These measures aim to address mounting concerns from residents and campaigners who oppose the visual impact and disruption caused by the construction of new pylons and cables across the British countryside. The upgraded infrastructure is critical to modernising the electrical grid, linking new wind, solar, nuclear power facilities, and large-scale battery storage systems, while supporting a growing number of electric heat pumps and vehicle charging points in homes.

The Government estimates that by 2030, the UK will require twice the amount of new transmission infrastructure built over the past decade to meet its clean energy targets. This expansion is integral to delivering on commitments to reduce carbon emissions, stimulate economic growth, and lessen reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.

As part of the initiative, energy companies will face new requirements to expedite smart meter installations and improve connectivity, particularly in Scotland and northern England. This includes efforts to roll out 4G services to facilitate meter installations and provide consumers with more flexible energy tariffs, enabling them to save money by using power during off-peak hours or when excess electricity is available from the grid.

Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh highlighted the Government’s commitment to involving communities in the transition to sustainable energy, stating, “Communities hosting new pylons must receive direct, tangible benefits as we build a homegrown, affordable energy future.”

Political debates continue, with Labour criticizing opposition parties for demanding costly underground cabling instead of pylons, warning that such opposition would increase energy bills by up to £850 annually. Labour also emphasized the necessity of infrastructure to achieve net-zero goals, while urging greater investment in nuclear power.

Simultaneously, Ofgem plans to introduce new regulations to improve the efficiency and reliability of smart meters by 2025. These rules will require prompt installation appointments and swift repairs, with automatic compensation if services fall short. Charlotte Friel, Ofgem’s director of retail pricing and systems, stressed the importance of smart meters in empowering consumers to manage energy use and reduce costs.

By offering financial incentives and enhancing smart meter services, the UK Government aims to balance infrastructure development with community interests, paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

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