We can now confirm that our Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) application has been submitted to The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. A statutory consultation is now taking place for a period of 21 days. This is a legal process that allows rights to be secured over land where needed for essential infrastructure.

This project involves upgrading around 100 km of existing high voltage overhead electricity transmission lines between Pelham and Rayleigh, enabling more power to be transported through the network. The work is needed in order to meet increasing energy demand. 

No new pylons will be constructed as part of these works.

During the statutory consultation period, the CPO and accompanying maps can be viewed on this website in the document library below. 

Copies of the order and map are also available to view during opening hours at the following locations:

• Wickford Library, Market Road, Wickford, SS12 0RA
• Braintree Library, 5 Fairfield Road, Braintree, CM7 3YL
• Chelmsford Library, County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1QH
• Bishop’s Stortford Library, The Causeway, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2EJ

Any objection to the order must be made in writing to John McKenna, Head of Electricity Network Planning Team, Energy Infrastructure Delivery, Energy Development, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, 3-8 Whitehall Place, London. SW1A 2EG or to [email protected] before 19 June 2026 and should state the title of the order, the grounds of objection and the objector's address and interests in this land.

Interactive map