Public backs new grid infrastructure

Almost two-thirds of Brits support building new grid infrastructure, to enable the decarbonisation of the UK economy and improve Britain’s energy security.

However, that support is largely dependant on the public having a say on what is built and on the networks establishing some form on community benefits mechanism to compensate those affected during construction.

Research commissioned by RenewableUK shows that 64% of people support the development of new electricity grid infrastructure, while only 5% oppose it. Support is even higher among those who voted Conservative in the last general election, with 71% in favour and 6% opposed. Comparatively, 65% of Labour voters are in support with only 4% against.

Despite the strong support, the survey reveals that people want to have a say in what is built with 62% of respondents stating that they would want clear guidance from grid developers about the various ways in which the grid infrastructure could be changed.

A similar proportion of people (61%) also want to see a guaranteed community benefit fund provided by a grid developer to make them more in favour of an electricity powerline within five miles of their home.

The survey results back up recommendations made by electricity networks commissioner Nick Winser in his recent report on how to speed up building much-needed new grid infrastructure.

Among his proposals, Winser calls for tangible benefits for those affected by construction of new grid infrastructure. Winser suggests that this could take the form of lump sum payments for individual households close to new transmission lines and a community fund for the locality.

RenewableUK director of future electricity systems Barnaby Wharton said: “This polling shows that, contrary to some widespread misconceptions, most people are actually in favour of building vital new grid infrastructure to connect up clean energy projects and enable them to deliver cheap power to British homes and businesses, increasing our energy security.

“It’s interesting for government to note that Conservative voters support this even more than the general public.”

He added: “One of the clear messages from the polling is that people want to feel the benefits of hosting new grid near their homes, with funding for local community projects high on their list of priorities, alongside clear explanations of why it’s needed and how they can influence what’s built in their area.

“We now have an opportunity to move forward and reach a greater consensus on how to modernise our grid, so that’s fit for purpose in the 21st century, while ensuring that we maintain strong public support for these vital upgrades which will benefit everyone”.

Wharton added that a good starting point would be for government to take forwards recommendations made by Winser in his recently published review.