Households near new pylons to get money off bills

People living close to new electricity pylons are to be offered money off their energy bills.

Households within 500m of new or upgraded pylons will get discounts of up to £250 a year for 10 years.

The government said that if communities are hosting vital infrastructure, it’s right that they “directly benefit”.

This, it stated, can in turn reduce opposition to vital projects, and benefit every household by reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuel markets.

Bill discounts are expected to be in place from 2026.

78% say bill discounts would make energy projects more acceptable

The announcement comes after a government study found that more than three-quarters (78%) of people would be more willing to accept new energy infrastructure projects if they got discounts on their bills.

Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister and housing secretary, said: “It is no longer a question of whether we build the new infrastructure we need, but a question of how and this must be done in lockstep with local communities.”

Energy secretary Ed Miliband added that developing “clean, homegrown power that we control” will make Britain energy secure and “bring down bills for good”.

“To do this, we need to get Britain building right now,” he said.

“As part of that, we are delivering on our landmark commitment to ensure that people who live near infrastructure meaningfully benefit.   

“This will benefit the whole country by ensuring we build the clean power system we need.”