Community concerns that the Anglesey pylon option has been chosen on “the basis of cost alone” have been raised with the First Minister this week.
North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood, who last week raised the matter during an Assembly debate on National Grid Cables, has this week questioned Carwyn Jones over the concerns.
He said:
“When I discussed this with National Grid a while back they told me they get paid for what they do whether pylons go over ground or underground, but Ofgem require best value for the customer and this will ultimately be paid through customer energy bills. Given that best value means quality and value as well as price, what dialogue will your Government have with Ofgem given the concern raised by town and community councils across Anglesey that the pylon option has been chosen ‘on the basis of cost alone’?”
The First Minister replied: “He asks would we reinforce our previous position - we will continue to do that. Our preferred position on new grid infrastructure is one of undergrounding because we know the environmental sensitivities across much of Wales with regard to that. It’s right to say that price is not the sole determinant of whether a contract is awarded or not or whether work is carried out or not. I share his view that it’s hugely important to look at a wide range of factors when we look at the overall costs, both environmental, economic and social, when it comes to laying out new grid infrastructure. It’s why we take the view that the preferred position, the default position, should be undergrounding.”
Mr Isherwood added: “The One Voice Wales Anglesey Pylon Committee, which represents 38 town and community councils on the island, has consistently highlighted what they say are flaws in the consultation process. More pylons, they say, will have an environmental impact as well as damage the island’s tourism industry. It is crucial that their views are properly heard.”