Campaigner against Norwich to Tilbury Pylon project says offer of £2,500 from the government is "insulting"
This follows the government announcing an Energy Bill Discounts Scheme
Campaigners fighting plans for new electricity pylons between Norfolk and Essex have branded a government offer of discounted energy bills "insulting", arguing it fails to address the financial and emotional impact they say the project is having on affected communities.
It's as the government have announced that they will be giving communities in over 40 locations savings of up to £2,500 on their energy bills for the next ten years if they are living near pylons, under their new Energy Bill Discount Scheme
Included in this discount are those impacted by the Norwich to Tilbury pylon project.
The Norwich to Tilbury pylon project is proposed to be an electrical connection for approximately 180 kilometres from Norfolk to Essex.
"'Financial justice'"
Rosie Pearson, Founder of the Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons Action Group, said the move is "pathetic":
"The government's presenting it as though it's really a great thing to have this discount off your bills, but it's £250 a year off your bill. And it's like saying basically, we're going to come in and destroy your area, destroy the nature, we're going to destroy businesses, we'll destroy communities.
"When people are harmed financially, they need full financial compensation for any loss, not this tokenistic, insulting, pitiful amount off your bills.
"£250 off your bill is so insulting. There's no polite way of saying how insulting it is to these people who are suffering so much through this project - a project that doesn't need to happen in the form which is happening and which we have given alternatives for that are better for the environment, better for communities and better for bill payers and yet we get ignored.
Ms Pearson says the group wants compensation for people who suffer financial losses because of the project.
She argues homeowners who struggle to sell their properties, businesses affected by the scheme and others who experience financial losses should receive what she describes as "financial justice".
"Financial justice is what's needed and that is what is so sorely lacking. That is why this proposal for discounts of bills is so far off the mark and it is a real slap in the face."
Everyone affected
The campaign group also argues that the cost of the discounts should not be passed on to other electricity customers.
Ms Pearson said:
"It's not the government taking the hit. It's every single bill payer in the country is paying for this new scheme.
Mental health concerns
The group says it has also carried out surveys among people living along the Norwich to Tilbury route, which, they say, show the uncertainty surrounding the project is having a significant impact on residents' wellbeing.
Ms Pearson said campaigners believe the government should consider alternatives, including greater use of underground cabling, which they argue would better protect communities, businesses and the environment.
Planning process continues
The Norwich to Tilbury project has recently completed its six-month examination by the Planning Inspectorate.
Inspectors are expected to make a recommendation to the Secretary of State later this year, before a final decision is made in early 2027. The campaign group says it is prepared to pursue a judicial review if consent is granted
We have reached out to the government for comment