Norfolk to Essex overhead pylon plan moves forward

Controversial plans to install miles of overhead electricity pylons across the countryside have taken a step forward.

Government energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed initial funding for the project, which could see 114 miles (183km) of pylons built from near Norwich to Tilbury, Essex.

Planning permission has not yet been granted for the National Grid scheme, which would carry electricity produced by offshore wind farms, but the network owner has said the decision is a "significant milestone".

Rosie Pearson, of the Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons action group, said: "To allow National Grid to spend more money before the project even has planning approval - it's infuriating."

Ofgem has approved National Grid's request for Early Construction Funding (ECF) for the project.

It said its decision would not affect any future planning decisions by separate authorities and its role was to find out if such schemes could give customers value for money.

National Grid can now spend 2.93% of the total project allowance, with another 17.07% ECF still available to apply for.

It has been previously reported the pylon project will cost £793m.

Ofgem said the advance would be spent on engineering design work as well as designing and building works for the two new Norwich-Tilbury bays.

National Grid is due to submit an application to the Planning Inspectorate later this year and, if approved, construction would start in 2027 ahead of being fully operational by 2031.

The firm has said it will benefit the environment by providing cleaner electricity and was a "vital infrastructure project".

"The funding will enable us to procure essential equipment, driving investment across the supply chain, helping to deliver benefit to consumers sooner," said a spokeswoman for National Grid.

"The views of local communities are incredibly valuable to us, and we listen to their feedback and shape our plans in response."

The latest statutory consultation is currently being run in Thurrock, relating to proposed changes to the substation location at the southern end of the route.

The scheme is part of The Great Grid Upgrade, which National Grid - an investor-owned firm - described as "the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations".

In March, it was announced households within 500m (1,640ft) of new or upgraded pylons would get energy bill discounts of up to £2,500 over 10 years.

However, Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons has called for alternatives to be considered, including the laying of cables underground.

Ms Pearson said it had asked Ofgem for three years to "properly" review the plans and was concerned about the funding approval as it believed the scheme was not a good solution.

"We know [Ofgem] had 650 responses to their consultation... raising concerns about spending money in advance of the project having planning permission," she said.

"You should not be advancing money on a project that has not got approval - that is hugely risky."

She added the group had now sent a legal letter to Ofgem asking it to "better scrutinise" the proposals.

Ofgem said the scheme was one of 26 it was looking at to potentially improve the national energy system and allow more renewable energy to be used.

It said this was part of its work towards the government's commitment to achieve clean energy by 2030 and reduce the UK's reliance on "volatile" international gas markets.

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