Would you have pylons near your home in exchange for lower bills?

Households living close to new electricity pylons could soon get discounts on their energy bills.

The government is concerned that much of the country’s current infrastructure is outdated and needs upgrading to support cleaner and more affordable energy.

But big energy infrastructure projects are often met with strong opposition from communities, so ministers want to give people more of an incentive to back them.

Under new plans, households living within half a kilometre of new or upgraded electricity pylons would get £2,500 off their electricity bills over 10 years. 

That works out to £250 a year, paid as a £125 discount every six months.

Infrastructure projects ‘urgently needed’

Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive Officer of Energy UK, stated that much of the country’s energy infrastructure was built several decades ago.

This, she said, means it was designed for “a system very different from the one we have today - or the one we need in the future”. 

“Expanding and upgrading the delivery of energy to homes and businesses is long overdue and urgently needed,” Ms Vyas commented.

Minister for energy consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh added that communities must be “given a stake” in energy infrastructure projects.

“We are on the side of those who want Britain to get back to what it does best: building for the future, driving innovation and putting communities first,” she said.

What can I do now if I’m struggling with energy bills?

If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your energy bills, then help is available.

You might be able to:

• get emergency credit if you’re on a prepayment meter
• apply for a grant or hardship fund from your supplier
• join the Priority Services Register for extra support

You can also get in touch with us for help with managing your money or sorting out debt.

We can check you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to and help you create a realistic budget.

And if you owe money and are struggling with repayments, we’re here to give you debt advice. 

We’ve also put together a list of 50 smart energy-saving tips to help you save on energy and reduce your bills.