Energy · Policy & net zero · 27 October 2026
Welsh Government opens consultation on underground power lines
Welsh Government has announced a consultation on a new planning policy for electricity lines in Wales. The proposal aims to end the use of large steel lattice pylons for devolved infrastructure. Overhead lines will only be allowed if specific planning tests are met.
Welsh Government has launched a consultation on a new planning policy for electricity lines in Wales. The proposal introduces an undergrounding-first approach for new 11-132kV electricity lines. Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, stated: "We're delivering on our manifesto commitment to end the use of steel lattice pylons and ensuring the default position for new electricity lines in Wales are underground."
Under the proposed policy, overhead lines will only be permitted if specific planning tests are met. Such lines must use low wooden poles or similar less intrusive infrastructure. The government aims to balance environmental, community, and economic interests while supporting the transition to a low-carbon future by 2040. The electricity grid is described as essential for this transition.
The policy applies to devolved electricity lines in Wales. It sets the default position for new infrastructure, requiring underground installation unless specific conditions for overhead lines are satisfied. Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, added: "We want to see infrastructure that is sensitively designed to minimise impacts on the environment and the communities that host them, while offering the maximum benefits for Wales."
Written by StreetOwl from Welsh Government’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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