Asked by: Mark Menzies (Independent - Fylde)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will have discussions with energy companies on improving (a) communication with (i) businesses and (ii) households about disruption as a result of energy projects and (b) access to compensation for losses related to such projects.
Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government engages regularly with energy companies and is committed to delivering the energy infrastructure needed for net zero and energy security, while ensuring that individuals are fairly compensated and brought into the process.
To install infrastructure, network operators often need access to private land and appropriate compensation, covering both the value of land and any losses, must be paid to the landowner. The Government recognises that where compensation cannot be agreed, then challenging this via the Upper Tribunal can be expensive for landowners. Government has established a Taskforce to explore Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, to help un-block these disputes.