Labour Criticised For Not Backing Proposals to Put Power Pylons Underground

Powys Liberal Democrats have criticised Labour for voting against proposals to make it mandatory for all new electricity cables to be underground rather than overhead pylons.

The proposals, voted on in the Senedd this week would have made it mandatory for new lines to be laid underground, highlighting that current Welsh Government policy is being exploited by power companies who refuse to lay cables underground on cost grounds.

The Liberal Democrats have argued that burying cables would reduce the impact on Mid Wales’ spectacular natural scenery while also ensuring the national grid can continue to provide enough power to local businesses that are looking to expand.

The debate in the Senedd highlighted how underground cable burying had led to much less opposition to the rollout of renewable energy in Denmark.

The motion was defeated despite the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Plaid Cymru all voting to back the proposals, with Welsh Labour voting against them.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader & Mid and West Wales Senedd Member Jane Dodds voted in favour of burying the pylons.      

The Liberal Democrats have previously led efforts on Powys Council to call for cables to be buried as numerous proposals for pylons have been put forward across the North and South of the County.  

Commenting Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said:

“It is disappointing that Labour voted to prioritise the profit of energy giants over protecting our outstanding natural environment in Mid Wales.

“The proposals that had been put forward were a sensible middle ground that would have allowed us to protect our natural environment whilst also supporting local businesses that want to expand and need extra grid capacity to do so.

Adding his comments, Liberal Democrat candidate for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr and Llanidloes Councillor Glyn Preston said:

“The Lib Dems on Powys Council had led previous calls on the council for cables to be buried.

“If elected as the MPs for Powys, we will always fight to protect our pristine natural environment so it can be preserved for our communities, future generations and tourists alike.”  

ENDS