THOUSANDS of Scots could be in line for a £250 discount on their annual energy bills.
Householders within 500 metres of new or upgraded pylons will receive a £2,500 discount over ten years.
Householders within 500 metres of pylons will receive a £2,500 discount[/caption]
The proposals, which will mainly affect rural areas, are part of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to be introduced in Westminster — parts of which will apply here.
But North East Scotland Tory MSP Douglas Lumsden called it “insulting” and said the towers wiped ten per cent from home values.
He added: “A feeble discount of up to £250 a year is a drop in the ocean when it comes to living next to these towering power lines.”
Labour and SNP ministers are also backing plans to speed up planning applications for onshore wind turbines and pylons.
The discount scheme is expected to be in place from 2026. It will apply to new onshore, above-ground transmission cables, substations and some major upgrades.
The Scottish Government believes just one per cent of homes here will quality for the cash.
It added: “We look forward to seeing more detail on the scheme.”
It comes as Scots are urged to check if they are entitled to thousands of pounds worth of benefits this year.
Social Security Scotland said people including unpaid carers, disabled Scots and those on low incomes may be able to access cash they did not previously know about.
The organisation is encouraging people who think they may be eligible for financial help to use an online benefits checker or to get in touch with it directly.
Social Security Scotland delivers 15 benefits controlled by the Scottish Government.
