An energy company behind plans to install two pylon chains through the Carmarthenshire countryside has hit back at a local campaign group which criticised the firm for hosting an event with Senedd members.

Carmarthenshire Residents Action Group was aggrieved to hear that Bute Energy had hosted an evening drinks reception at the government buildings in Cardiff on July 9.

It comes after the company, via its subsidiary Green GEN Cymru, had proposed the installation of two pylon chains in the county, which some locals believe will destroy the historic landscape of the Tywi Valley and villages along the A485.

The company has hit back at claims from the action group that the drinks reception was held to "wine and dine" Senedd members.

A spokesperson for Bute Energy said: “Bute Energy’s reception last week was the launch of its Net Zero Skills Strategy.

“This is part of Bute Energy's commitment to work with the public sector and industry to help schools and educators develop skills and create opportunities for young people, ensuring the green jobs of the future stay in and benefit Wales and our communities. This work is critical to replenishing the Welsh supply chain.

"The reception, which was held outside of public hours on an invite-only basis, was fully compliant with Senedd rules and regulations. Guests included community and industry partners and the event was open to all members of the Senedd."

The plans for new pylons could link a planned wind farm near Llandrindod Wells to a new substation south of Carmarthen via 60 miles of new pylons if given the green light.

The Carmarthenshire Residents Action Group says it has written to the Standards Commissioner to request further information about the event.

Havard Hughes, spokesperson for the action group, said: “The Nolan Rules make it clear that those who hold public office should act openly and transparently. How does this fit with a controversial private developer holding a private function in our Parliament ?

“Perceptions of transparency and fairness are crucial to maintain support for our democratic processes.  We question the appropriateness of such an event during the planning and approval process of a number of controversial schemes. 

“Residents are following the money. We have doggedly pursued Carmarthenshire County Council regarding its Dyfed Pension Fund investment in Bute Energy.  We are now focusing on what Bute Energy is doing with those funds.

“This appears to include wining and dining Senedd Members in our own national parliament.

“Bute Energy is telling residents in the Tywi Valley and elsewhere that they cannot afford undergrounding. 

"However, when it comes to hospitality for our elected representatives - money appears to be no object.”