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Although the government has announced discounts on electricity bills for households close to upgraded pylons, there has been no such announcement yet relating to homes near SMRs.

But that would require significant expansion of the transmission grid with new, larger pylons - and there has already been significant opposition from communities affected by new pylon routes, including in the Mearns in Aberdeenshire.

Ramsay has been vocal in his opposition to new pylons in his constituency, which some have seen as in conflict with the party's support for renewable energy.

Energy minster Michael Shanks said the report proved that "pylons are the best option for taxpayers".

Just weeks after the deadly Eaton fire ignited near three Southern California Edison transmission towers, the utility quietly changed an internal policy on how crews should ground idle electrical pylons.