Decc plans to cut red tape on overhead power lines

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) is proposing three changes to the overhead power line regime.

The trio of amendments would result in a fairer process for
all parties, reduce burdens on developers, and save money for the taxpayer,
according to energy minister Greg Barker.

He said: “We are proposing minor technical changes that
will bring the current system up to date and ensure that much-needed investment
in electricity networks is not unnecessarily held up.”

The first change would mean that a number of applications
for minor works on overhead lines will no longer be treated the same way as
major infrastructure projects. Decc claim this would establish a more
proportionate and cost-effective approach.

The second amendment would revise the fee that are payable
to government under section 37 applications under the Electricity Act 1989 will
bring them into line with the actual administrative costs associated, saving
the tax payer between £75,000 and £140,000 a year.

The final change would modernise the Necessary Wayleave
hearing rules, potentially allowing disputes between developers and landowners
about rights to retain existing overhead lines and develop new lines to be
resolved quicker and more cost efficiently.

The three consultations will close on 27
November 2012.