STORY
Thousands of households living close to new or upgraded electricity pylons could receive up to £2,500 off their energy bills over ten years under a Government scheme beginning next year. The first 43 transmission projects expected to qualify have now been identified, covering more than 40 locations from the Scottish Highlands to southern England.
Households within 500 metres of eligible projects are expected to receive the discount once the development has secured the necessary consents and main construction work has started. Most qualifying households will receive the money automatically through their electricity supplier every six months, although some customers, including those using commercial meters, may need to apply.
The Government says hundreds of thousands of homes could benefit as the scheme expands over the next decade. Ministers argue that upgrading a grid largely built in the 1960s is needed to connect new electricity generation and strengthen energy security, while communities hosting new infrastructure should receive a direct financial benefit.