The UK government revealed the first 43 locations where households within 1,600 feet of upgraded electricity pylons and substations will get a £250 annual discount on energy bills for up to 10 years, with about two-thirds of the projects in Scotland to support wind energy. Ministers say the grid upgrades are essential after decades of underinvestment, with Energy Minister Michael Shanks calling the infrastructure crucial for national resilience.
An estimated 120,000 to 160,000 households could eventually qualify as more projects roll out, with payments starting early next year and about 80p a year added to all energy bills to fund the scheme. Octopus Energy's chief executive called it a positive first step, noting the UK spent over £1bn last year paying wind farms to switch off due to grid capacity shortfalls.
Rural campaigners, including the Save Our Mearns group fighting a proposed line in north-east Scotland, called the discount an insult given the scale of disruption from construction, noise, and long-term impacts on property values and landscapes. Pylons in some proposed projects would stand up to 187 feet tall, comparable to the already-built Beauly to Denny line.
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