Bill discount scheme to boost energy infrastructure

Residents living near new electricity pylons could get up to £2,500 off their bills under plans announced by the UK Government.

Under powers in the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, households within 500 metres of new or upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure could get electricity bill discounts of up to £250 a year for a decade.

Separate new guidance will also set out how developers should ensure communities hosting transmission infrastructure can benefit, by funding projects like sports clubs, educational programmes, or leisure facilities. 

The Government said community benefits are vital to speed up the building of clean power infrastructure. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner 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.”