Thousands of households located near new or upgraded electricity pylons and power lines are expected to receive an energy bill discount of £250 per year. The government has announced the initial locations where outdated electricity infrastructure will be improved, making nearby homes eligible for the reduction.
The Bill Discount Scheme is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027. Most eligible households will automatically receive the discount on their electricity bill every six months via their supplier.
Eligibility for the discount applies to households living within 500 metres of the new or upgraded infrastructure. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has released the first 43 planned upgrade locations across England, Scotland, and Wales. However, some of these projects are still awaiting planning consent or are in an appeals process, and households will only qualify once construction has started.
The government anticipates that between 120,000 and 160,000 homes will benefit from the scheme over the next decade. Energy Minister Michael Shanks stated that upgrading the grid is crucial for delivering secure, homegrown energy and fostering economic growth.