Asked by: Richard Tice (Reform UK - Boston and Skegness)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the potential cost to the public purse of compensation for loss of property value as a result of proposed pylon installations in Boston and Skegness constituency.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Landowners, businesses and homeowners that have electrical equipment, such as pylons or towers, sited on their land have the right to compensation for the value of their land, as well as for any losses or expenses incurred. Acquiring authorities can also put in place discretionary schemes offering additional compensation. As compensation is provided by the electricity network licence holders, not the Government, we cannot provide an estimate of potential costs.
More broadly, the Government is committed to ensuring that communities who live near new clean energy infrastructure can see the benefits and is currently considering how to deliver this most effectively.
Asked by: Richard Tice (Reform UK - Boston and Skegness)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help protect (a) agricultural land and (b) natural habitats from the potential impact of the (i) construction and (ii) maintenance of (A) the Great Grid Upgrade and (B) other major infrastructure projects.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Developers of electricity networks and all nationally significant infrastructure projects in England and Wales need to assess the impacts of their proposals, including on agricultural land, natural habitats and in terms of construction and maintenance. This is done through Environmental Impact and Habitats Regulations Assessments, which are then considered during the consenting process. This includes consideration of safeguarding Best and Most Versatile agricultural land and ensuring the protection of natural habitats.
Asked by: Richard Tice (Reform UK - Boston and Skegness)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the impact of the Great Grid Upgrade infrastructure project on (a) local communities, (b) the environment and (c) economic development in (i) Boston and Skegness constituency and (ii) the UK; and what steps his Department is taking to mitigate potential negative impacts in these areas.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
All electricity transmission network projects, regardless of location, must go through the independent and robust planning process. Developers must evidence that they have engaged and consulted with communities. They must take account of community views, environmental impacts, efficiency of the system and the cost to consumers, and consider alternative options.
Asked by: Richard Tice (Reform UK - Boston and Skegness)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the cost of stability services to the electricity grid in each of the next five years.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
According to data provided by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), the costs of procuring stability services in the Balancing Mechanism for the last five years are as follows:
2019/20 £211m
2020/21 £348m
2021/22 £176m
2022/23 £112m
2023/24 £83m
Based on actions introduced to address the high stability costs faced in 2020/21, NESO do not expect stability costs to increase significantly from 2023/24 levels over the next five years.
NESO also incurs stability costs through its stability network services procurement project. NESO has awarded tenders to five providers across seven sites, securing stability services until 31st March 2026. With a total contract exposure of £328m, NESO expects to save consumers between £52m to £128m over this period as a result of having to take fewer Balancing Mechanism actions to address system stability.
Asked by: Richard Tice (Reform UK - Boston and Skegness)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the cost of stability services to the electricity grid was in each of the last five years.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
According to data provided by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), the costs of procuring stability services in the Balancing Mechanism for the last five years are as follows:
2019/20 £211m
2020/21 £348m
2021/22 £176m
2022/23 £112m
2023/24 £83m
Based on actions introduced to address the high stability costs faced in 2020/21, NESO do not expect stability costs to increase significantly from 2023/24 levels over the next five years.
NESO also incurs stability costs through its stability network services procurement project. NESO has awarded tenders to five providers across seven sites, securing stability services until 31st March 2026. With a total contract exposure of £328m, NESO expects to save consumers between £52m to £128m over this period as a result of having to take fewer Balancing Mechanism actions to address system stability.