THE government hopes to quell opposition to new pylons with a £250-a-year energy discount to neighbouring households, according to new proposals.

Plans have been set out in a new consultation on upgrading Britain’s energy transmission network, a process needed to deliver power, particularly from renewable sources overwhelmingly based in rural locations in Scotland and the north of England to population centres.

Pylons — often 50 to 60 metres in height — used to transmit that power have been subject to much local opposition and delays in the past.

In an attempt to overcome these problems, £250-a-year in energy discounts for a decade has been promised to those living within 500m of a new pylon, as well as a new duty on power companies to help roll out 4G coverage in affected areas to enable smart meter installations.

Energy consumers minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “As we build the infrastructure we need to deliver homegrown, affordable energy, communities must be given a stake.

“That is why we are teaming up with communities hosting new pylons to ensure they receive direct, tangible benefits.”