National Grid Opens Door To Corridors
National Grid, one of the world’s largest utilities, has announced plans for a new high voltage power line at one of four route corridors in Suffolk and Essex that will enable a number of generators to connect bringing a mixture of wind, gas and nuclear power generation.
As reported by utilityweek.co.uk, a National Grid regional spokesperson confirmed that a full public consultation is due to take place next month.
Pylons do create a visual impact and it is expected that people will air their concerns however, National Grid stated that idea is still at an early stage, and that they are putting all the information out there and will await the response accordingly.
When a suitable corridor has been identified, the next consultation stage will begin in spring next year to confirm the precise route for the line, where it is hoped that after final consultations, the National Grid hopes to gain consent in 2011 under the new planning regime.
Public opposition to the lines is expected however, the grid is keen to avoid taking the underground route which would cost between 12 to 17 times more than overhead lines, where eventually this cost would be passed on to the consumer.
Source article;
http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/uk/electricity/national-grid-begins-consultat.php