Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if (a) his Department and (b) Ofgem will make an estimate of the cost of the construction of (i) National Grid's proposed Grimsby to Walpole pylon scheme and (ii) alternative schemes to transmitting electricity on the route including underground cabling.

The Department cannot comment on specific projects which will come before the Secretary of State for a final planning decision. It is the responsibility of the developers of electricity network projects – in this case National Grid Electricity Transmission - to propose a route and obtain planning permission for that route. Ofgem reviews proposed project costs and ensures that network companies spend efficiently, protecting consumers from unduly high costs.

In general, undergrounding costs an estimated 5 to 10 times more than overhead lines. The cost of building this infrastructure is borne by electricity bill payers so it is key we keep costs down.