Jack Rawlins

Ofgem has withdrawn funding for National Grid’s £180 million Cotswolds Visual Impact Provision project, which would have replaced about 4.6 miles of pylons and overhead cables with underground lines between Winchcombe and Dowdeswell Reservoir. Ofgem said cancelling the discretionary scheme would save households an estimated £180 million during the cost-of-living crisis and protect billpayers from unjustified costs. CPRE Gloucestershire called the decision a missed opportunity and criticized the loss of years of consultation, investment and public support, while National Grid confirmed the project cannot proceed without Ofgem funding.