Residents living within 500 metres of new or upgraded electricity pylons could get reductions of up to 2,500 pounds ($3,230) over 10 years, the government said in a statement on Monday.
The proposed discount comes as the government is due to introduce its Planning and Infrastructure Bill to parliament this week, aimed at helping meet a target of decarbonising the country's power sector by 2030 through adding renewable power capacity.
Meeting that target will require the country to substantially increase its electricity transmission network. Expanding in the past that has been a slow process, as plans have struggled to win local support.
The government said the discounted bills would help reduce opposition and planning delays.
"This will benefit the whole country by ensuring we build the clean power system we need," energy minister Ed Miliband said in a statement.
Companies building new pylons, or substantially upgrading existing ones, will also be expected to fund local projects such as sports clubs or leisure facilities in affected communities.
Government figures show the average domestic energy bill in 2024 was 2,252 pounds, with electricity accounting for 1,143 pounds, and gas 1,109 pounds.
(Reuters, March 10, 2025)