Government launches consultation on electricity network reforms

Rural landowners should be aware of proposed reforms to electricity network infrastructure being considered by the government and the impact they could have.

The potential changes, including to consents, land access and rights, have been launched as part of a new consultation. Aiden Wiffen, Senior Associate in Thrings’ Property Litigation team takes a look at what you need to know.

What is being proposed?

The changes, aimed at accelerating electricity infrastructure development to support the delivery of Net Zero targets by 2030, represent a shift towards greater compulsory powers over rural land, with landowners potentially having less say over access across their land, even if the infrastructure is not on their property.

Among the key features are:

• The consultation proposes giving network operators statutory rights to access land for surveying and construction – even when landowners don’t consent voluntarily.
• There are also suggested changes to streamline processes such as compulsory purchase agreements and, notably, changing the standard wayleave from 15 years to 40 years – which would reduce negotiation time but potentially reduce landholders’ leverage.
• A presumption that new lines should be overhead, except in nationally designated landscapes. This has been opposed by some over the visual, environmental and operational impacts for landowners, including the potential negative effects on farming machinery, biodiversity and landscape heritage.
• Revising planning thresholds for major projects which would see the maximum size threshold for substations that can be built without national planning involvement be increased.
• The potential implementation of a nationally standardised compensation scheme for land use, but little more information exists on this at present.

Aiden Wiffen, Senior Associate in the Thrings Property Litigation team, said: “The proposals outlined in the consultation have the potential to streamline developers’ paths to install infrastructure but could also erode landowner rights and extend access without their consent.

“While the consultation is motivated by the need for energy transition, it potentially carries real consequences for rural landowners: increased infrastructure on their land, reduced negotiation power, and potential long-lasting disruption.

“With agricultural land an ideal setting for energy generation projects, there is a significant chance that landowners could be vulnerable to greater rights of access over their land. It is important that they are engaging with the consultation but also seeking legal advice to ensure they know what their rights are and how they can protect their position in the event their land becomes a target for such projects.”

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s consultation closes on 2 September 2025. To find out more and to make a submission, visit the consultation page.

Thrings’ Property Litigation lawyers are experienced in reaching resolution in property disputes, acting for both landlords and tenants, often without recourse to court proceedings, and with an excellent track record when cases do go to Court. To find out more, get in contact.