Ofgem gives green light to undergrounding in National Parks

The Campaign for National Parks has welcomed today's decision by Ofgem to give the green light to the continuation of the special fund that can be used to place electricity wires underground in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (see its final proposals for the next period of Electricity Distribution Price Control, which start from 1 April 2010).

The companies that operate the distribution system have until Wednesday 6 January 2010 to accept or reject Ofgem’s proposals.  Most of the companies have engaged positively with the undergrounding scheme during the past five years, resulting in several intrusive lines being placed underground.

CNP’s Ruth Chambers said 'this is great news, especially during the 60th anniversary year of National Parks and AONBs.  The scheme has led to several unsightly lines being placed underground and we encourage all electricity companies to engage with local stakeholders at the earliest opportunity to draw up a wish list for the next five years so that the landscape benefits of the scheme can be maximised’.

Here are some examples of where the scheme has benefited the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.