- The UK government will offer bill discounts of up to £2,500 over 10 years to households near new or upgraded electricity pylons in Pembrokeshire.
- Developers will fund local community projects and provide financial support for households and public services, accelerating the transition to clean energy while boosting Pembrokeshire’s role as a renewable energy hub.
UK Homes, Pembrokeshire specifically, will get electricity bill discounts of up to £2,500 over 10 years. This is part of the government’s “Plan for Change.” The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will ensure communities benefit from new electricity pylons and grid upgrades.
Homes within 500 metres of new power lines will get £250 off their electricity bills yearly. This will help rural communities and support the expansion of the national grid. Pembrokeshire is preparing for offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea, making this support necessary.
The government will also require developers to invest in local projects, including sports clubs, schools, and leisure facilities. Officials say that communities must see real benefits from hosting energy infrastructure. This will help speed up the switch to clean energy and reduce the use of fossil fuels.
Large offshore wind farms are planned for the Celtic Sea. Pembrokeshire will become a hub for renewable energy, and new power lines will carry this clean energy across Wales and beyond. These benefits will help reduce local opposition to projects and prevent delays.
New power lines are essential for economic growth. They will unlock £40 billion a year in private investment, create jobs, and improve the UK’s energy security. They will also protect consumers from high fossil fuel prices, which have caused energy bills to rise.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said, “We need to get Britain building again. This is not about whether we build but how we do it with local communities. Our new bill will cut energy bills for people near new projects and ensure they benefit from these changes.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added, “The only way to secure Britain’s energy and lower bills is to stop relying on fossil fuels. We are making sure that communities hosting new energy projects get real benefits.”
National Grid CEO John Pettigrew said, “It is right that communities see lasting benefits for hosting energy infrastructure. We look forward to working with them to make this happen.”
James Robottom of RenewableUK added, “The government’s plan to speed up infrastructure development is a good step. Lowering electricity bills for local communities will help them support new projects. This will strengthen the UK’s energy security.”
The new rules will also bring money to communities near new power lines. For every kilometre of overhead cable, they could receive £200,000. Substations could bring up to £530,000 for local projects. Communities in West Wales will get millions in funding for local initiatives.
Pembrokeshire is already changing. Floating offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea will create jobs and boost the economy. Milford Haven, a major energy port, will play a key role in this transition. New power lines will make sure this clean energy reaches homes and businesses.
The UK’s electricity grid was built in the 1930s and needs upgrades. Expanding the grid will cut costs by reducing the need to shut down wind farms, helping to lower electricity bills for everyone.
These changes will bring clean power and savings to Pembrokeshire communities. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will introduce more measures to speed up clean energy projects. Rural communities, including West Wales, will benefit from the UK’s shift to renewable energy.