Residents living near the proposed electricity pylons route in Lincolnshire have called plans to offer money off energy bills “insulting”.

National Grid is proposing to create an 87-mile line of pylons running through the Lincolnshire countryside – the 140km Grimsby to Walpole route.

The Government announced on August 12 that households living close to the new pylons and substations will receive a £250 annual discount on their bills for 10 years. But only those “living within 500 metres of these projects” are eligible.

UK ministers say it is “vital” to upgrade the old infrastructure as this will “deliver secure, homegrown energy”. By the pylons scheme has attracted huge opposition in Lincolnshire since it was announced in 2024. Lincolnshire County Council is among those to oppose it.

Lincolnshire residents are opposed to the pylons plan.

placeholder image — Lincolnshire residents are opposed to the pylons plan.

Now this latest offer of money off energy bills - dubbed ‘pounds for pylons’ - has drawn anger and frustration from residents.

The ‘No Pylons Lincolnshire’ campaign group, which has more than 5,000 members on Facebook, argues the power transmission lines should be routed offshore or underground instead of cutting across the rural landscape.

Speaking about the energy bills offer, a spokesperson said: “This isn’t £250 a year for a pylon in the distance. It’s £250 a year for living beside years of construction compounds, heavy traffic, noise, and permanent industrial infrastructure. Property values could fall far more than £2,500. Some lenders are already declining mortgages near proposed routes. Insurance premiums may rise by hundreds of pounds a year. These are real, lasting impacts that the scheme doesn’t address.

“If this were a city street, no one would accept five years of compound works metres from their home for a token payment. Yet rural residents are expected to shoulder the burden silently - and we won't be silenced.”

She added: “It's not about saying no to progress - it's about looking closer at the way we power the future, modern alternatives to an outdated infrastructure.”

Commenting on the post, one member writes: “What an absolute insult to people’s intelligence. This doesn’t even qualify as a bribe, it’s pitiful.” Another adds: “Beyond furious! Instead of offering punitive amounts they should be investing in better technology for the future.”

A Government spokesperson said: “Thousands of households living near new or upgraded pylons are set to get money off their electricity bills. Payments will start from next year, as the first projects expected to be in scope of the government’s bill discount scheme are unveiled today (Wednesday 12 August).

Energy Minister Michael Shanks added: "Upgrading Britain’s electricity grid is a vital part of how we deliver secure, homegrown energy and unlock economic growth across the country. It is a moment of national renewal - upgrading what was built largely in the 1960s for the modern age to bring down electricity bills for households across the country.

“It’s vital we build again as a country and we are determined those communities which host pylons should benefit, which is why we’re bringing down the energy bills of those hosting this vital national infrastructure.”