Overhead Electricity Cables

Overhead lines are often cited as one of the blots on the landscape, but that could now be changing in the AONB. In the recent review of electricity pricing, OFGEM (the electricity pricing watchdog) has allocated electricity supply companies specific sums of money to underground cables in National Parks and AONBs. For our local supply company (NEDL) the figure is £5.5m for the period 2005-2010, split between 7 National Parks and AONBs.

NEDL indicated that it was keen to press ahead with schemes as soon as possible. It asked AONBs and National Parks to develop a priority list of lines that should be put forward for under grounding. Due to the relative costs of under grounding different types of electricity line, NEDL believe that the best value for money will be achieved from under grounding Low Voltage lines within villages. Higher voltage lines outside villages can be considered, but obviously less work can be achieved within the budget available. If the money was shared equally between the 7 National Parks and AONBs, then £5.5m would buy under grounding for approximately 2.4km of Low Voltage line per year within villages in the Howardian Hills.

The AONB Unit has carried out a survey of overhead electricity lines in all AONB villages and has also had help from Parish Councils. We have developed a prioritised list, which NEDL is assessing and prioritising. The first village in the Howardian Hills AONB to have electricity lines put underground is Terrington, where work started in early September.

Residents should bear in mind that this initiative relates ONLY to electricity cables. Even if the electricity cables go underground, any overhead telephone cables are likely to stay. Street lights mounted on electricity poles that become redundant will also need new arrangements, such as keeping the old wooden pole or putting up a new lighting pole.

News Posted: 1 January 2006