Written questions by Tice.

What steps his Department is taking to help protect (a) agricultural land and (b) natural habitats from the potential impact of the (i) construction and (ii) maintenance of (A) the Great Grid Upgrade and (B) other major infrastructure projects.

Developers of electricity networks and all nationally significant infrastructure projects in England and Wales need to assess the impacts of their proposals, including on agricultural land, natural habitats and in terms of construction and maintenance. This is done through Environmental Impact and Habitats Regulations Assessments, which are then considered during the consenting process. This includes consideration of safeguarding Best and Most Versatile agricultural land and ensuring the protection of natural habitats.

What assessment he has made of the impact of the Great Grid Upgrade infrastructure project on (a) local communities, (b) the environment and (c) economic development in (i) Boston and Skegness constituency and (ii) the UK; and what steps his Department is taking to mitigate potential negative impacts in these areas.

All electricity transmission network projects, regardless of location, must go through the independent and robust planning process. Developers must evidence that they have engaged and consulted with communities. They must take account of community views, environmental impacts, efficiency of the system and the cost to consumers, and consider alternative options.

What estimate he has made of the cost of stability services to the electricity grid in each of the next five years.

According to data provided by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), the costs of procuring stability services in the Balancing Mechanism for the last five years are as follows: 2019/20 £211m2020/21 £348m2021/22 £176m2022/23 £112m2023/24 £83m Based on actions introduced to address the high stability costs faced in 2020/21, NESO do not expect stability costs to increase significantly from 2023/24 levels over the next five years. NESO also incurs stability costs through its stability network services procurement project. NESO has awarded tenders to five providers across seven sites, securing stability services until 31st March 2026. With a total contract exposure of £328m, NESO expects to save consumers between £52m to £128m over this period as a result of having to take fewer Balancing Mechanism actions to address system stability.

What the cost of stability services to the electricity grid was in each of the last five years.

According to data provided by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), the costs of procuring stability services in the Balancing Mechanism for the last five years are as follows: 2019/20 £211m2020/21 £348m2021/22 £176m2022/23 £112m2023/24 £83m Based on actions introduced to address the high stability costs faced in 2020/21, NESO do not expect stability costs to increase significantly from 2023/24 levels over the next five years. NESO also incurs stability costs through its stability network services procurement project. NESO has awarded tenders to five providers across seven sites, securing stability services until 31st March 2026. With a total contract exposure of £328m, NESO expects to save consumers between £52m to £128m over this period as a result of having to take fewer Balancing Mechanism actions to address system stability.