Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, whether the £500 million provision for undergrounding old transmission lines in the UK's protected areas announced by Ofgem on 10 November 2014 covers Scottish National Parks and National Scenic Areas; by what process candidate undergrounding projects are being identified; and what steps Ofgem is taking to ensure that such funds are distributed equitably across England, Wales and Scotland.

The Visual Impact Provision (VIP) applies to National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales, and National Scenic Areas in Scotland. The allowance is available for all of Great Britain’s electricity Transmission Owners to address the impact of existing lines in these areas. To participate in the scheme Transmission Owners are required to develop and submit a policy to Ofgem for approval. National Grid has set out a policy and process for deciding how to allocate funding in its licence area of England and Wales. National Grid’s VIP policy and process have both been approved by Ofgem following consultation with stakeholders. Further information is available at www.nationalgrid.com/VIP. The Scottish Transmission Owners have not developed a policy, so funding is not currently available in Scotland.