Energy companies have a significant presence in the environment around us, including power stations, substations, overhead lines and cables, in towns and cities and around our countryside.

The issue of planning electricity infrastructure is more important today than at any time since the development of the national grid in the 1930s, or the boom in power station construction in the 1960s.

During the next 10-15 years, UK energy companies will plan and build new power stations and windfarms to replace ageing plant and ensure they can continue to meet customer demand for electricity, while cutting the CO2 emissions associated with climate change.

Major investment in the UK's energy networks, to transport electricity around the country, will be fundamental to low carbon repowering. The Electricity Networks Strategy Group estimates that up to £4.7 billion will be needed to upgrade the electricity grid and accommodate new power generation by 2020.

This work will include strengthening existing area networks, increasing the capacity of strategic links, such as the power interconnector between Scotland and England and the creation of new Anglo-Scottish subsea power links.

To deliver the UK's target of meeting 30% of energy needs from renewable sources by 2020, grid development work needs to start now. In recent years electricity infrastructure projects have often been subject to lengthy planning delays.

This should improve going forward with the introduction in November 2008 of the Planning Act in England and Wales. The Act is designed to streamline the consents process for major projects that are in the national interest through the creation of an Infrastructure Planning Commission that will have the power to make decisions.

In Scotland, planning system reforms announced by the Scottish Government in October 2008, should improve collaboration between local authorities and government agencies, leading to a more efficient planning regime, with minimal delays and consistent decisions.

The reforms, both north and south of the border, are welcomed by energy companies, such as ScottishPower. The new, more streamlined processes should not be any less rigorous. Extensive consultation and open dialogue with stakeholders are the cornerstones of responsible developments.

While development activities create jobs and support economies, potentially negative impacts, such as construction traffic, noise, visual impact and potential damage to habitats and ecosystems, must be fully assessed and mitigation measures put in place where appropriate.

It is important that communities trust energy companies to care for the land and respect the environment, as their cooperation is vital in planning successful projects. We in turn work hard to maintain that trust by demonstrating a responsible approach in the planning, development and operation of our assets.

Alan Bryce, Impact Leader