One of the biggest challenges we face as a country is the cost of energy, particularly electricity.
We have some of the highest energy prices in Europe because of our dependence on international fossil fuel markets, which set the prices.
Trump’s war in Iran has added to this uncertainty. It is already having wide-ranging effects on the UK as the oil and natural gas that we import from the Gulf is disrupted.
I have called on the government protect residents who are most exposed to these aftershocks – including those who use heating oil. I am pleased the government has responded by protecting off-grid users of heating oil with a multi-million-pound package of support.
To meet our energy needs and harness the potential of renewables and new nuclear, such as that being developed by Rolls-Royce in Derby, we need improved transmission routes.
This includes the ones that National Grid is exploring, including the Chesterfield to Willington grid upgrade.
National Grid has launched a consultation on the Chesterfield-Willington route which closes at the end of April.
I know many residents have views on this, particularly around the visual impact, and it is important that you have your say. The next in-person consultation in Mid Derbyshire will be held in Stanley Village Hall between 2pm and 7pm on Thursday 16 April. There is no need to register to attend, you can drop in at any time they are holding the meeting.
It was valuable to meet with energy minister Michael Shanks MP alongside Amber Valley MP Linsey Farnsworth.
We discussed National Grid’s proposed pylon route from Chesterfield to Willington.
Residents, schools, campaigners, and councillors have spoken to me about the proposals – including to express concerns about its visual impact. We shared these concerns with Michael.
The meeting was also an opportunity to find more about National Grid’s Community Fund. This is millions of pounds of investment for communities that host energy infrastructure for the whole country.