'Actions speak louder than words' plea to SSEN over 400kV Highland power line as public packs out meeting in Strathpeffer
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ENERGY transmission company SSEN has been told "actions speak louder than words" over plans for a 400kV power line across the Highlands.
A packed public meeting in Strathpeffer heard the company apologise for shortcomings in the consultation process to date and told that a complete new overhead line from Spittal to Beauly "is inappropriate and unacceptable".
They have been urged to work up a potential solution using the existing Spittal to Beauly lines, which consist of a 132kV overhead line and a 275kV overhead line. That would involve burying a new 132kV line along the route of the existing corridor, connecting it up and demolishing the existing 132kV pylons, using that route to erect a new set of larger pylons to carry the 400kV line.
That option would need tweaks in areas where communities have been built around existing pylon routes and would cost more than simply erecting a new 400kV line. Highland campaigners concerned about the long-standing impact of a new line say it's essential to persuade regulatory body Ofgem and National Grid it is worth the additional cost. They want to press the Scottish Government to adopt a planning policy that would force Ofgem, National Grid and SSEN to accept this solution.
Local MP Ian Blackford told the meeting “communities must be heard” and committed to meet with the bosses of both National Grid and Ofgem.
MSP Maree Todd said the First Minister's Holyrood commitment on Highly Protected Marine Areas proposals as evidence the Scottish Government would “not steamroll through or impose on any community a policy that it is vehemently opposed to”.
Strathpeffer Community Council chairman Ron McAulay, spearheading a forum of Highland community councils united over the issue, said: "The need is there for the Scottish Government to step up to the plate and support the communities directly affected by these pylons too– and they can do so through their planning policy and legislation."
He said: "There is clear demand from the Forum of Highland Community Councils that SSEN put far more priority and effort into working alternative concepts in order to minimise and mitigate the impact of this grid reinforcement." He said needs the various players – National Grid, Ofgem, SSEN, Scottish Government and Highland Council – to address key concerns.
While current proposals will address an overall demand of 11GW by 2030, demand is expected to increase by another 17GW up to 2050 meaning "we have only seen less than half the picture so far". There's also concern about planning applications "in dribs and drabs". Mr McAulay said: "We need to see the whole picture. We could find ourselves in seven years’ time, facing another new line from Spittal to Beauly. National Grid, Ofgem and SSEN need to be challenged to show us the whole picture all the way out to 2050."
In addition to considering environmental designations, SSEN also needs to consider the wellbeing of communities and the impact on the economy of those communities. He said: "The only one appears to be a requirement to stay a certain distance away from houses. This needs to be challenged with Ofgem and National Grid."
And while cost efficiency is given a high weighting, campaigners note the potential cost of £1.1bn will be paid back over up to 60 years by as many as 60 million consumers across Great Britain. The scheme will also generate income through the sale of electricity to foreign countries. Mr McAulay said: "We reckon this will result in pennies being added to a consumer’s bill each year. So, while cost is important, it should not be the top decision criteria."
Community councils say the Scottish Government can take control of the proposals by using legislation and that a public enquiry could be forced. That would need Highland Council to object.
SSEN community liaison manager for the project, Martin Godwin, said: "It was great to see so many people from Strathpeffer and Contin engaging with us on our proposals last night.
"This project will be crucial in delivering Scottish and UK Government’s climate change targets, as well as providing a significant boost to the Highland economy, but we recognise we need to deliver it in a way that aims to keep environmental and community impacts to a minimum.
“That’s why events like this public meeting are so important for us, to get a real steer on what matters to the community. Thanks to everyone who came along and took part.
“We’re looking forward to further engagement with local communities and stakeholders as we continue our detailed analysis on the feedback received, including the active consideration of an alternative route the community has proposed."
