MPs blast ‘cash for pylons’ scheme

PLANS to sweeten electricity pylon developments by offering ‘generous’ payments to nearby homeowners have been criticised by MPs.

In a government report, electricity networks commissioner Nick Winser said it was ‘vital’ to speed up delivery of new grid connections and residents opposed to schemes could be offered cash in return.

But politicians in constituencies affected by the green energy expansion plans say financial compensation is worth little to those whose quality of life is affected.

MPs in East Anglia – where the National Grid wants to build a major overhead electricity line from Norwich to Tilbury in Essex – have instead called for an offshore grid to harness wind energy.

Defence minister James Cartlidge, who represents South Suffolk, said: ‘There is more at stake here than money, it is their quality of life. You cannot rule compensation out entirely. If we get an offshore grid in East Anglia, there will have to be some sort of infrastructure on land, inevitably.

‘We should not be dismissing compensation as an option but it should be secondary to a co-ordinated offshore grid.’

Defra Secretary Therese Coffey and Priti Patel, the former home secretary, have also raised concerns about planned power lines in their constituencies.

The UK reportedly needs to lay 600 miles of new electricity cables by 2035 if it is to reach its 2050 net-zero goals. Overground electricity pylons cost up to one tenth of their off- shore equivalent but MPs say the latter provides greater potential for changes in size and scale to cope with increased demand as the UK moves toward greener energy.

Mr Winser suggested offering a lump sum payment and a set amount of money for communities that host infrastructure. He did not state how much money householders should receive but said: ‘There is every opportunity to be generous with these payments.’

Energy security minister Grant Shapps said: ‘We must ensure we are getting the increased supply of homegrown, clean energy that we have at our fingertips.

‘That is why we asked Nick Winser to carry out this review – I welcome his report and am grateful for his work.’