UK Offers Bill Discounts for Homes Near New Pylons

Download IPFS

Households living close to new electricity pylons in Britain could receive up to £250 off their annual energy bills under a government plan aimed at easing resistance to grid upgrades.

The scheme, announced on Thursday, is designed to encourage acceptance of the infrastructure needed to support the country’s energy transition. Officials say that by 2030, the electricity sector will require roughly twice as much new transmission network infrastructure as has been built over the past decade.

Energy Consumers Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said the incentive would give communities “a stake” in the drive to deliver more homegrown, affordable energy. “As we build the infrastructure needed, it’s important that local residents see tangible benefits,” she said.

The expansion will include new pylons to connect renewable energy projects to the national grid. While essential to meeting energy supply goals, such projects have faced strong local opposition, with critics claiming the tall steel structures spoil rural landscapes.

Under the proposal, eligible households located near new pylons would receive £125 off their energy bills every six months, equating to a maximum of £2,500 over ten years. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said this would help balance the impact of construction on affected communities.

Alongside the incentive announcement, the UK’s energy regulator, Ofgem, confirmed it will impose stricter requirements on suppliers regarding smart meter installations and repairs.

From May 2026, suppliers will be required to pay compensation to customers if they wait more than six weeks for a smart meter appointment, or if faults with installed meters are not fixed promptly. Ofgem said the measures aim to improve service standards and restore public confidence in the smart meter rollout.

The regulator’s new rules follow growing complaints from households over delays and technical problems with smart meters, which are intended to help consumers track and manage their energy use more efficiently.

Industry observers note that upgrading Britain’s electricity grid will be vital to meeting rising demand from renewable power, electric vehicles, and low-carbon heating. However, striking a balance between national infrastructure needs and local concerns remains a key challenge for policymakers.

The government is expected to publish further details on the pylon discount scheme in the coming months, including eligibility criteria and the rollout timeline.