Key facts
- Households living within 500 meters of new pylons will receive electricity bill discounts.
- The scheme is intended to benefit communities hosting new energy infrastructure.
- Reform UK has criticized the plan, calling it a "bribe" and arguing it devalues homes.
- Eligible households could save up to £2,500 over 10 years.
- The scheme will be overseen by the energy regulator Ofgem.
- New pylons are part of a broader government plan for national infrastructure renewal.
Households situated near new electricity pylons will be eligible for discounts on their energy bills starting next year, a government initiative that has been labeled a "bribe" by the political party Reform UK. The scheme aims to provide financial benefits to communities that host new energy infrastructure, with potential savings of up to £2,500 over a decade for those living within 500 meters of the pylons.
Reform UK's business spokesman, Richard Tice, criticized the plan, referring to it as a "£20-a-month bribe" and arguing that it insults household intelligence while suggesting that cables should be placed underground to avoid "scarring our landscape." He also stated that homes near pylons would be "permanently devalued."
Energy minister Michael Shanks defended the plan, framing it as part of a "moment of national renewal" and an upgrade to the country's largely 1960s-built national grid. He emphasized the importance of building new infrastructure and ensuring that communities hosting it benefit directly.
The scheme will apply to new overhead pylons and associated infrastructure like substations and converter stations, provided construction began on or after March 10, 2025. Ofgem will oversee the program, with most eligible households receiving the discount automatically every six months through their energy suppliers. Some, such as those with commercial meters, may need to apply. Qualifying households are expected to be contacted in early 2027, and government estimates suggest between 120,000 and 160,000 households could benefit by 2044. Projects like the North London Reinforcement are included in the initiative.