Give cash to households in path of new pylons, government urged – BBC

Households should be given cash if they live in the path of new electricity pylon projects, a government-commissioned report says.

The proposal is among several on getting infrastructure built quicker as Britain races to get its grid ready for new renewable sources of energy.

Key is a fast-track planning system to help halve the 12 to 14 years it currently takes to build new lines.

The government has welcomed the report.

Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps will now consider the recommendations and is expected to present a plan later this year.

Carl Trowell, president of UK strategic infrastructure at National Grid also welcomed the report, adding: “There is no time to waste, implementing the proposals and progressing the energy transition at pace is the surest route to more affordable bills, greater energy resilience and a more energy independent UK.”

However, the construction of new lines could open fresh rifts with Conservative MPs campaigning against planned pylons in their area.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey and former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel are among high-profile MPs opposing plans for new lines affecting their constituencies. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66397256?fbclid=IwAR2NwsFzURSyblUX3nV64AIldwf6NLGNpWNcMbX-d6qNLeiic9INu-zsM1A