The Welsh government has unveiled a consultation on a proposed policy that would prohibit the installation of large steel lattice pylons for new electrical lines up to 132 kilovolts. The plan represents a manifesto commitment made by Plaid Cymru before May’s Senedd election. Under the proposed framework, electricity companies would be required to explore alternatives such as burying cables underground or using wooden poles and other less visually intrusive infrastructure where feasible.
The government contends that undergrounding electricity circuits offers multiple benefits, including reduced visual impact on landscapes and local communities, improved resilience against severe weather events, and decreased potential harm to birds and wildlife. Officials acknowledged, however, that underground installation and maintenance generally entail higher costs and can create disruption during the construction phase. The policy would permit overhead cables supported by wooden poles or equivalent less intrusive structures in locations where undergrounding is not practical.
Green Gen Cymru, the company developing major power line infrastructure to connect onshore wind farms to the grid network, indicated support for the consultation while emphasizing the need for tailored solutions. The company has estimated that undergrounding cables would cost approximately 4.5 times more than overhead installation, citing a potential additional £500 million expense for one project spanning Carmarthenshire and Powys. Green Gen recently introduced a slimmer 22-metre pylon design intended to address landscape concerns. The company has faced significant local opposition, including legal challenges from landowner groups.
Political responses to the consultation have been largely supportive across multiple parties. Reform and the Welsh Conservatives both endorsed the principle of prioritizing underground infrastructure where possible to protect rural areas. Local campaigners in affected communities, including members of the Llandovery Pylon Group, described the policy announcement as positive, noting that underground placement would reduce impacts on agriculture, tourism, and climate resilience.
The public consultation period extends until 15 January 2027, during which stakeholders can submit evidence on the proposed policy framework.
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