For more detailed information please visit our Hinkley Point C Connection consultation web site.
Background
National Grid has announced the draft route for the new 400,000 volt power connection between Bridgwater and Seabank near Avonmouth. This has followed nearly three years of planning and listening to the views of local people and experts. It puts a line on the map for the connection needed for the new Hinkley Point C power station and other low carbon electricity generation planned for the South West.
The new connection will mean that an existing 132,000 volt line between Bridgwater and Avonmouth can be taken down. In addition a number of other shorter sections of 132,000 volt line will be removed to enable construction of the new line. In total National Grid expects there to be a reduction in the number of pylons between Bridgwater and Avonmouth from 240 to 145. We will consult on our detailed proposals in 2013, and anticipate that we will be able to include the T-Pylon in this consultation.
Over the next decade, the country must make the major investment needed to deliver energy security. This project is just one step towards meeting National Grid’s challenge to modernise and extend the country’s existing energy infrastructure to ensure reliable power supplies for the future and help meet the UK’s carbon reduction targets.
Feedback from local communities has directly affected consideration of National Grid’s proposals which represent a balance between the cost of the connection, which passes through to all consumers in their bills, and minimising the impact on the local environment.
More information about the draft route can be found on the consultation website at: www.hinkleyconnection.co.uk.
In September this year we will be consulting on the full proposals for the Hinkley Point C Connection project before making a formal application for consent to construct the connection. Ultimately, Government will make a decision based on a recommendation made by the Planning Inspectorate.
Giving us your feedback
To formally submit your views online please go to the Hinkley Point C connection consultation web site.
Alternatively there are a number of other ways in which you can provide feedback about this project:
• Call our freephone number on 0800 377 7347 available between normal office hours 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday
• Send an e-mail to hinkleyconnection@nationalgrid.com
• If you wish to write to us by post please put your letter in an envelope marked Freepost H POINT CONNECTION - no further address or stamp is required.