As reported here earlier, DESNZ is launching consultation on a scheme whereby people living near pylons will get £2,500 off electricity bills over a decade.

Those living near new pylons across Great Britain could receive up to £250 a year off their bills over ten years, as the Government considers proposals included in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

DESNZ estimates that around twice as much new transmission network infrastructure will be needed by 2030 as has been built in the past decade, with the Government’s new planning reforms aiming to speed up decision making. 

Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “As we build the infrastructure, we need to deliver homegrown, affordable energy, communities must be given a stake. That is why we are teaming up with communities hosting new pylons to ensure they receive direct, tangible benefits.”

The scheme comes alongside confirmation of plans to transform the consumer smart meter programme with new obligations will be placed on energy suppliers to improve the smart meter process. The reforms, set to be introduced next year, include compensation for long installation and repair wait times. 

The proposals set out by Ofgem include requirements to cut waiting times for installation appointments and fix meters that have stopped working in smart mode within 90 days, or provide consumers with automatic compensation of £40.

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