The Welsh government has begun consulting on plans to adopt an "undergrounding-first approach" for electricity lines, signalling an intent to reduce the use of new steel transmission pylons across Wales. The consultation seeks views on how undergrounding should be prioritised in future energy infrastructure decisions.
Under the proposed approach, burying cables beneath the ground would be favoured over erecting overhead steel pylons when new or upgraded electricity lines are needed. The Welsh government says the consultation is intended to gather input on how that policy should operate in practice and on any exceptions or safeguards that might be required.
Ministers have framed the move as a change in planning and infrastructure priorities rather than an immediate nationwide removal of existing pylons. The consultation is expected to inform how decisions are made about future network routes, balancing technical feasibility, costs, environmental impacts and community views.
Adopting an undergrounding-first policy could have significant implications for energy network operators, local planning authorities and landowners. Proponents argue that burying lines can reduce visual impacts on landscapes and communities, while critics typically point to higher costs and engineering challenges associated with underground cabling in some locations.
The consultation will provide a formal opportunity for stakeholders — including industry, local government, conservation groups and members of the public — to set out their perspectives. The Welsh government will consider responses before deciding whether to proceed with legislative or policy changes to implement the undergrounding-first approach.