National Grid is seeking views on how it should approach spending £500m to improve the visual impact of its existing electricity transmission lines in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

The £500m was ring-fenced for the project when funding was agreed with Ofgem in March 2013 through the RIIO price control mechanism.

Across England and Wales, National Grid has 195km of transmission lines in National Parks and a further 385km in AONBs. The project, known as Visual Impact Provision, provides an important opportunity to reduce the visual impact of these lines and enhance the protected landscapes they run through.

At the heart of the project is collaboration with those who work to protect Britain's countryside. The draft policy outlines plans for an independently chaired Stakeholder Advisory Group, with representation from groups with a national remit for England and Wales. It is proposed this Group will work with National Grid to identify, prioritise and shape potential projects. They will also gather feedback from a wider group, such as those who regularly visit National Parks and AONBs, or who live nearby.


The transmission network mainly consists of high voltage overhead electricity transmission lines but also includes substations and other associated infrastructure. Examples of ways to improve the impact of this infrastructure include:

• replacement of existing overhead lines with underground cables

• screening substations or overhead lines from public viewpoints

• landscaping enhancements, like tree planting

• use of alternative pylon designs, such as the new T Pylon

• re-routing or reducing the number of existing lines.

Hector Pearson, Planning Policy Manager at National Grid said: "Delivering energy safely, reliably and efficiently is at the core of our business, and so is doing this responsibly. We are passionate about playing our part in conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of some of England and Wales's most valued landscapes.

"We are taking a collaborative approach to decision making, in order to make informed choices about where will benefit most from the funding available.

"Once the group is in place in the coming months, we look forward to working closely with them to make the most of this important opportunity."

(CD/JP)