New evidence shows pylon plans need rethinking

New evidence has been published on the true costs of burying overhead electricity lines underground. 

Although undergrounding is more expensive then overhead lines, the cost is just 4.5 to 5.7 times more expensive, not 10 to 25 times more expensive as previously quoted. There are also wider benefits that come from undergrounding, such as a faster planning process and environmental improvements, which the new report does not consider. 

We have long called for the undergrounding of electricity lines in National Parks and other special landscapes.  Responding to the report our Deputy Chief Executive Ruth Chambers says:

"We welcome the report’s conclusion that underground solutions for electricity transmission are cheaper than previously thought - this is significant for the landscapes of the UK and will prevent cost being used as an excuse not to place infrastructure underground. There will now be a more level playing field between overhead and underground technologies, making it easier for solutions that respect England’s finest landscapes to be implemented.”

See the press release for more information