WESTERN POWER AND UNDERGROUNDING OVERHEAD LINES IN PROTECTED LANDSCAPES

That this House recognises the visual improvements achieved in many beautiful locations in Great Britain through Ofgem's scheme to provide allowances to energy companies for undergrounding overhead lines on the basis of local consultation; is deeply concerned that Western Power, which provides electricity to mid and south Wales and the south west of England, has chosen not to take advantage of these allowances, thus denying possible removal of overhead lines in areas like the Brecon Beacons, Gower, Exmoor, Wye Valley, Dartmoor, Tamar Valley, the Quantocks and the Cornwall, Devon and Pembrokeshire coasts; and urges Western Power to reconsider its position and engage with local stakeholders to help improve the environment over time in these very special places.