6. Will the First Minister make a statement on the National Grid's plans in Ynys Môn? OAQ(5)0399(FM) [W]

We have consistently pressed the National Grid to ensure that its proposals for the new line across Anglesey are fit for purpose and sensitive to the environment through which it will pass.

Last Wednesday, the National Assembly for Wales made a very clear statement that it’s our democratically expressed wish in this place for the National Grid to seek alternative methods of making new electricity connections in Wales instead of putting in place new pylons for any new developments here. That’s particularly pertinent to us in Ynys Môn, of course, where we face seeing a new line of pylons being erected over the next few years.

Now, in light of the fact that this Assembly has demonstrated its democratic will a week ago, will the First Minister give a commitment to contact the National Grid again to put pressure on it and Ofgem to convince them that they should listen to the democratic voice of our National Assembly and reconsider their proposals after all? Every voice representing Ynys Môn apart from one UKIP regional Member, and I include here myself as the Assembly Member, the MP, parish councils, town councils, and the county councils, have all expressed our opposition. The National Assembly has supported that, and we would appreciate the support of the First Minister to urge Ofgem and the grid to listen.

Well, of course, the Assembly’s position is very close to the Government’s standpoint, which is that we wish to see the cables being undergrounded. That’s our preferred position in terms of our standpoint on this. I’m very happy again to tell the National Grid that that is the view of the Parliament of Wales and therefore is a view that they should take into detailed consideration.

When I discussed this with National Grid a while back they told me they get paid for what they do whether pylons go over ground or underground, but Ofgem require best value for the customer, and this will ultimately be paid through customer energy bills. Given that best value means quality value as well as price, what dialogue will your Government have with Ofgem, given the concern raised by town and community councils across Anglesey that the pylon option has been chosen ‘on the basis of cost alone’?

Bear in mind, of course, that the rules are put in place by the UK Government, not by us. But he asks would we reinforce our previous position—we will continue to do that. Our preferred position on new grid infrastructure is one of undergrounding, because we know the environmental sensitivities across much of Wales with regard to that. It’s right to say that price is not the sole determinant of whether a contract is awarded or not or whether work is carried out or not. I share his view that it’s hugely important to look at a wide range of factors when we look at the overall costs, both environmental, economic and social, when it comes to laying out new grid infrastructure. It’s why we take the view that the preferred position, the default position, should be undergrounding.