The second consultation phase of a major proposal to build 60 miles of power lines across Mid Wales is now open.

Green GEN Cymru plans to build a 132kV electricity connection between Bute Energy’s proposed Nant Mithil Energy Park in Radnor Forest and a new substation near Llandyfaelog, in Carmarthenshire. 

The first round of consultation for these plans took place in spring 2023 - garnering almost 3,000 responses - and now Green GEN Cymru has launched the second round.

This second round of public consultation is open until Wednesday, May 8 2024, with six community events planned during March and April for people to find out more and have their say.

The company has altered some of its plans, following feedback from the first consultation.

Some of the changes to their proposals include a single-circuit overhead line supported on wood poles between Nant Mithil Energy Park and a new switching substation at the foot of Aberedw Hill, a section of underground cable where the route crosses the River Towy near Llanarthney, and some alterations to the route in other places.

According to the company’s interactive map, the proposed route now takes a very different path between Llandeilo and Llandovery, keeping north of the River Towy. The company says this is to reduce the potential effects on the Towy Valley and Bannau Brycheiniog, as well visuals around Llandovery, Felindre and Llangadog.

There are also changes to the proposed route to reduce visual effects at Cefn-gorwydd, near Llanwrtyd Wells; and the introduction of two potential route options in the Crychan Forest area, giving the potential to reduce potential effects on commercial woodland.

Gareth Williams, Grid Director at Green GEN Cymru said: “In 2023 we consulted local people on our preferred route for the new Towy Usk connection. We’ve carefully considered the 2,949 feedback responses received, alongside further environmental and technical assessments, and we have made a number of changes to our proposals.

“In this second stage of non-statutory consultation, we’re asking for feedback on the draft route alignment, including proposed locations of wood poles, pylons, underground cables, and other infrastructure, along with any other factors you would like us to consider.

“Detailed feedback from communities and specialist organisations is important. We’re asking for their views in this spring 2024 consultation, even if they already commented during the first round of consultation in 2023. Local knowledge helps us understand any potential effects and benefits that we may not have considered in our work to date, and to inform our work and help refine our proposals going forward.”

Public feedback is encouraged, even if you had your say during the first consultation.

The six public events being held during this stage of the consultation are:

Wednesday, March 20, 2pm to 7pm, Montgomery Pavilion, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, LD2 3SY

Thursday, March 21, 3:30pm to 7:30pm, Llanarthney Community Hall, Llanarthney, Carmarthen SA32 8JD

Saturday, March 23, 11am to 4pm, Llandeilo Fawr Civic Hall, 17 Crescent Road, Llandeilo SA19 6HW

Tuesday, April 9, 2pm to 7pm, Penybont District Community Centre Penybont, near Llandrindod Wells LD1 5UA

Wednesday, April 10, 2pm to 7pm, Llandovery Rugby Club, Church Bank, Llandovery SA20 0BA

Thursday, April 11, 2pm to 7pm, Llandyfaelog Community Hall, Carmarthenshire SA17 5PA

The first consultation round last spring saw MP for Brecon and Radnorshire Fay Jones speak out against the pylons plans.

She said that although alternative solutions needed to be looked at, “carpeting our outstanding countryside” with pylons and turbines is “not the answer”.

MS for Brecon and Radnorshire James Evans also spoke about the proposals in the Senedd on multiple occasions, raising concerns about the visual impact of potential pylons and called to ensure that local residents’ voices are heard.

Speaking this week, Mr Evans: “We saw the strength of opposition to these plans in the previous consultation undertaken by Bute Energy. The local communities on this proposed route must step forward once again make their voices heard in this consultation process.

“I fear that the industrial scale of these energy parks, and the 60-mile pylon route to export the power out will devastate our rural communities, putting jobs and livelihoods at risk. We are already seeing a drop in house prices as a consequence of the proposed route.

“I hope to be at both drop-in sessions [Builth Wells and Penybont] and to see as many of you there as possible – but please remember to fill in the formal consultation online to ensure your views are noted, as verbal comments are not always recorded.”

Green GEN Cymru has published a consultation report highlighting the feedback that was received during the first round and their responses to the issues raised.

More information, included detailed maps, revisions, and information on giving feedback can be found on their website.

The online feedback form can be found here.