Electricity network infrastructure: consents, land access and rights
We are seeking views on proposed changes to land rights and consents processes for electricity network infrastructure.
The consultation document has been updated to include further information on how we will process consultation responses.
DESNZ may share consultation responses with the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) who are carrying out analysis of consultation responses using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool.
Read our consultation privacy notice.
Fair and proportionate land rights and consents processes are crucial to enabling us to meet the country’s need to build more electricity network infrastructure. By land rights and consents processes, we refer to the processes and permissions which enable network operators to access private land for the purposes of building and maintaining electricity infrastructure. It is vital that these processes protect the rights of landowners, local stakeholders and the environment, while enabling the timely delivery of important infrastructure. Network investment is critical, not just for the energy transition, but also to support economic growth.
To ensure the system is fit for purpose, the government has reviewed existing processes to assess whether they are sufficient to support our clean power ambitions, Net Zero goals, and energy security transformation. This consultation is the result of that review and proposes a range of reforms to these processes to enable the rapid deployment of future network connections, while ensuring that the rights of landowners are respected.
We welcome responses from any interested party. These proposals may be of particular interest to electricity network operators, energy developers, landowners, local authorities, and local communities.
Online responses are preferred. If you need to send your response via email or post, we strongly recommend that you use the template provided to submit your response.
Read our consultation privacy notice.