The UK government is preparing a scheme to ease public resistance to new electricity pylons by offering bill reductions to nearby households. Under the proposal, homes situated close to new transmission lines could receive up to £250 a year off their energy bills amounting to £2,500 in savings over a decade.

The move comes as Britain pushes to overhaul its power grid in pursuit of a largely decarbonised electricity system by 2030. Meeting that target will require a rapid expansion of renewable energy projects and the infrastructure to connect them, including roughly double the amount of transmission lines built in the past ten years.

Energy Consumers Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said the plan is about ensuring communities “share in the benefits” of the shift to homegrown, affordable energy. However, large pylon developments have faced opposition in several regions, with critics citing their visual impact on the landscape.

The government’s proposal would apply a £125 discount to eligible households’ bills every six months once the pylons are operational.

Alongside the incentive plan, regulator Ofgem announced stricter rules for energy suppliers regarding smart meter services. From 2026, suppliers will have to compensate customers if installation waits exceed six weeks or if they delay repairs to faulty devices.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to balance environmental goals with public acceptance of the infrastructure needed to achieve them.