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 ensure that network operators do not bear the cost of the necessary wayleave process when landowners serve notices to remove electricity infrastructure.

Government recognises that Network Operators play an important public service role in developing and maintaining an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity distribution and transmission – this includes securing the necessary permissions to install and maintain electric lines. These costs, including any costs associated with applying for a Necessary Wayleave, are not borne directly by Network Operators, but rather passed onto consumer energy bills through Ofgem regulated network charges.