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By Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com The IRS Direct File program, which lets taxpayers file their federal income tax return directly with the IRS for free, is doubling its reach to 24 states for the 2025 tax season, up from 12 states in 2024, the program’s pilot year. The Direct File program will also accept more types of tax situations for the 2025 tax season. While taxpayers who used the system in 2024 could claim a handful of tax credits, including the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit , that list is expanding in 2025 to include the child and dependent care credit , among others. An estimated 30 million taxpayers will qualify for the Direct File program in 2025, the IRS says. More than 140,000 taxpayers filed their federal tax returns through the Direct File program in 2024. About 90% of users said their experience was excellent or above average, according to a survey of about 11,000 Direct File users in 2024, conducted by the General Services Administration. “We’re excited about the improvements to Direct File and the millions more taxpayers who will be eligible to use the service this year,” said Danny Werfel, the IRS commissioner, in a statement. “Our goal is to improve the experience of tax filing itself and help taxpayers meet their obligations quickly and easily.” The IRS says that taxpayers can use Direct File when the 2025 tax season kicks off in January, and it will be available until Oct. 15, 2025. But the program’s future is somewhat unclear: In December, 29 Republican lawmakers sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, calling for him to end the Direct File program on his first day in office. Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives also introduced legislation in July to end the Direct File program. For now, here’s what you need to know about how the IRS Direct File program works, and how to qualify for it. What is IRS Direct File? The Direct File program is a new initiative, about to enter its second year, that allows taxpayers to file their federal tax returns electronically with the IRS. The no-cost tool guides taxpayers through every part of their federal income tax return. Taxpayers can file using a smartphone, computer or tablet. One of the program’s advantages is that, if you have questions as you’re working on your return, you can get live support directly from the IRS via chat or phone. IRS representatives can answer basic tax questions and help with technical issues in English and Spanish. Who qualifies for IRS Direct File? The Direct File program has income limits, as well as limits on the types of income, deductions and credits you can enter on your tax return. Income limits For the 2025 tax season: Types of income To be eligible for Direct File, your income can come from the following sources: But if you’re self-employed, or have business or rental income, you can’t use Direct File . Same goes for IRA contributions or distributions: If you have either, you can’t use Direct File. Tax deductions You can use the IRS Direct File program only if you claim the standard deduction — the program isn’t available to people who itemize. But you can claim certain above-the-line deductions: student loan interest , educator expenses and health savings account contributions . You can’t use Direct File if you want to deduct your IRA contributions. Tax credits The Direct File program allows for the following tax credits in 2025: However, if you want to claim education credits , credits for energy efficient home upgrades or the adoption expense credit , you can’t use the Direct File program. Which states offer IRS Direct File? More taxpayers will have access to the IRS Direct File program in 2025. In 2024, the IRS kicked off the program with only 12 states; that number has expanded to 24 states for the 2025 tax season. For some of the states that participate in the IRS Direct File program, your federal return information will be transferred automatically to the state tax website, but in some cases you’ll have to re-enter your information. Visit this IRS Direct File page to get the details for your state. Here is a list of the participating states: What if you’re not eligible to use Direct File? If you don’t qualify for the IRS Direct File program, you may have other options to file your tax return for free. In addition to Direct File, the IRS offers the Free File program, in which it partners with online tax software providers to provide free federal income tax return filing. Some providers also allow you to file a state income tax return. For the 2024 tax season, your adjusted gross income had to be less than $79,000 to qualify for the Free File program. That dollar threshold is likely to rise slightly for the 2025 tax season. The IRS also offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides certified volunteers to prepare basic tax returns if you earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled, or speak limited English. You can find a site near you by visiting this IRS page . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday faced significant volatility as the benchmark KSE-100 index dropped 1,510 points, or 1.33%. Analysts attributed the bearish sentiment to profit-taking amid pressure from the approaching rollover of futures contracts and uncertainty surrounding the outcome of ongoing talks between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The index initially surged by 1,112 points, reflecting early optimism, but later plunged by 1,629 points, driven by profit-taking and concerns over leverage positions and borrowing costs. The cautious market behaviour was also influenced by the approaching end-of-year contract deadline, which added to the pressure on investors. Despite the decline, there was active trading with a volume of 881 million shares and a value of Rs54 billion. Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corp commented that profit-taking was witnessed at the PSX amid pressure from futures contracts rollover and uncertainty about the outcome of patch-up talks between the government and PTI. He added that a weak rupee, falling global crude oil prices, and institutional selling in overbought shares played the role of catalysts in the bearish activity. At the end of trading, the benchmark KSE-100 index recorded a decline of 1,509.61 points, or 1.33%, and settled at 112,414.81. In its review, Topline Securities commented that the KSE-100 index exhibited significant volatility as market sentiment remained uncertain. The index climbed to the intra-day high of 1,112 points early in the session, reflecting some optimism, but later tumbled to the intra-day low of 1,629 points due to profit-taking, Topline said. It added that the market's downturn was primarily driven by concerns over rising leverage positions, which heightened risk perceptions. This, combined with increasing borrowing costs, compelled investors to trim their portfolios. Furthermore, the approaching last few days of December contract put additional pressure on market participants, resulting in a cautious and selective trading behaviour. Fauji Fertiliser Company, Mari Petroleum, MCB Bank, Hub Power and Engro Corporation emerged as major laggards of the day, collectively dragging the index down by 850 points, Topline said. In its report, Arif Habib Limited (AHL) noted that the KSE-100 index backed off following a sharp two-day rally and closed down by 1.33%, ahead of the December 25 holiday. Some 71 shares rose, while 27 fell, with UBL (+2.72%), Dawood Hercules Corporation (+3.3%) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd (+6.35%) contributing the most to index gains. On the other hand, Fauji Fertiliser Company (-3.65%), Mari Petroleum (-3.37%) and MCB Bank (-3.84%) were the biggest drags, according to the AHL report. JS Global analyst Muhammad Hasan Ather commented that the downturn was primarily driven by profit-taking following an early surge fuelled by political stability and favourable economic prospects. Despite the decline, the index's rise to the intra-day high of 115,036 demonstrated renewed investor confidence, he said. Ather noted that the market's overall positive momentum was supported by improving macroeconomic indicators, including a significant current account surplus and increased foreign investment. These robust economic fundamentals continue to signal a promising outlook for the market, offering potential growth opportunities for investors, he said. Overall trading volumes increased to 880.6 million shares compared to Monday's tally of 857.8 million. Shares of 456 companies were traded. Of these, 129 stocks closed higher, 288 fell and 39 remained unchanged. WorldCall Telecom was the volume leader with trading in 127.4 million shares, gaining Rs0.06 to close at Rs1.78. It was followed by Fauji Foods with 67.1 million shares, gaining Rs0.46 to close at Rs14.95 and Sui Southern Gas Company with 33.6 million shares, losing Rs0.39 to close at Rs46.09. During the day, foreign investors sold shares worth Rs617.8 million, the National Clearing Company of Pakistan reported. 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Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has said there is a major improvement in the security situation in the state The governor said President Bola Tinubu has been supportive and committed to the security situation in the state Mutfwang made the comment during his visit to President Tinubu's residence in Bourdillon, Lagos, on Saturday, December 28 CHECK OUT: Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with LEGIT. Enroll Now! Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has announced a significant improvement in the state's security situation in 2024. Speaking to State House correspondents after visiting President Bola Tinubu in Lagos , Mutfwang attributed the progress to security forces' efforts, technology investment, and community mobilization. He noted that, unlike in 2023, Plateau State was able to celebrate Christmas with relative peace, thanks to the President's concern and support . Mutfwang acknowledged that, while not all challenges have been resolved, the overall security situation is improving. Plateau governor promised continued efforts against crimes Read also Wike vs Fubara: Peter Odili makes fresh allegations on Rivers political crisis The governor assured the public that his administration will continue to work hard to prevent criminal activities from thriving within the state's borders. The governor expressed his commitment to reassuring the people of Plateau State and instilling confidence in Nigerians, particularly those considering investing in the state. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! Mutfwang's remarks come after a visit from the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who commended Mutfwang for his commitment to addressing security challenges in the state. Abubakar noted a significant improvement in security and assured the state government of his determination to combat banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and other regional security issues. Governor Mutfwang's administration has made significant strides in improving security in Plateau State, and the governor is optimistic about the future. He believes that 2025 will be an even better year, with the right climate and environment for investment and growth. See the video of his interview here: Read also Ex-President Jonathan's former ADC dies, details emerge Governor Mutfwang denied dumping PDP for APC Legit.ng earlier reported that Plateau state governor Caleb Mutfwang has again dismissed the claim that he had left the PDP and joined the APC . The governor said the claims were the work of mischief workers who were seeking to create confusion in the state and cast doubt on his loyalty to the PDP . Governor Caleb then maintained that there had been an ongoing discussion between the PDP in the state and North Central to resolve the party's internal crisis. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ngAP Trending SummaryBrief at 11:43 p.m. ESTFormer President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. Recommended Videos At age 52, Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Carter left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Here's the latest: A somber announcement The longest-lived American president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” The Carter Center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. A Southerner and a man of faith In his 1975 book “Why Not The Best,” Carter said of himself: “I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry.” A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. After he left office and returned home to his tiny hometown of Plains in southwest Georgia, Carter regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world. Former Vice President Gore remembers Carter for life "of purpose” Former Vice President Al Gore praised Jimmy Carter for living “a life full of purpose, commitment and kindness” and for being a “lifelong role model for the entire environmental movement.” Carter, who left the White House in 1981 after a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan. concentrated on conflict resolution, defending democracy and fighting disease in the developing world. Gore, who lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, remains a leading advocate for action to fight climate change. Both won Nobel Peace Prizes. Gore said that “it is a testament to his unyielding determination to help build a more just and peaceful world” that Carter is often “remembered equally for the work he did as President as he is for his leadership over the 42 years after he left office.” During Gore’s time in the White House, President Bill Clinton had an uneasy relationship with Carter. But Gore said he is “grateful” for “many years of friendship and collaboration” with Carter. The Clintons react to Jimmy Carter's death Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, remember Carter as a man who lived to serve others. “Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end." The statement recalled Carter's many achievements and priorities, including efforts “to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David." After he left office, the Clinton statement said, Carter continued efforts in "supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity — he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,” the statement said.

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Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season promises excitement as three Saturday games carry significant playoff implications. Here's a look at the schedule, TV channels, odds, and storylines for today's matchups. ET Year-end Special Reads Take That: The gamechanger weapon's India acquired in 2024 10 big-bang policy moves Modi government made in 2024 How governments tried to rein in the social media beast Saturday NFL Matchups and Where to Watch Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) vs. New England Patriots (3-12) Time: 1:00 PM ET Channel: NFL Network The Chargers aim to solidify the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoff bracket. A win makes their playoff spot nearly certain, but the Patriots could disrupt their momentum. Also Read: DOGE Federal Budget Overhaul: Musk and Ramaswamy’s $2 Trillion Plan to Transform Government Spending Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Denver Broncos (9-6) v. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8) Time: 4:30 PM ET Channel: NFL Network Denver holds the No. 7 seed, but Cincinnati wants to play spoiler. With one of the league's best second-half pass defenses, the Broncos will try to overcome the Bengals' home advantage. Arizona Cardinals (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6) Time: 8:15 PM ET Channel: NFL Network A big NFC West battle, where the Rams can move closer to a division title. The Cardinals dominated in Week 2, but this matchup looks far different with the Rams playing at home. Odds and Predictions Chargers at Patriots: LAC (-4), O/U 42.5 Broncos at Bengals: CIN (-3.5), O/U 49.5 Cardinals at Rams: LAR (-6.5), O/U 48 Live Streaming Options All games are available for live streaming on FuboTV. Also Read : Apple Pulls iPhone 14 and SE from Europe as USB-C Mandate Changes the Game The Saturday slate brings pivotal moments as playoff spots and division titles hang in the balance. With the Chargers, Broncos, and Rams each controlling their fates, the stakes couldn't be higher. Football fans can expect a thrilling day of action. FAQs: Can I stream the NFL Saturday games? Yes, you can live stream the games on platforms like FuboTV. What are the odds for the NFL Saturday matchups? The Chargers are favored over the Patriots (-4), the Bengals are slightly favored against the Broncos (-3.5), and the Rams are favorites over the Cardinals (-6.5). (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )By Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com The IRS Direct File program, which lets taxpayers file their federal income tax return directly with the IRS for free, is doubling its reach to 24 states for the 2025 tax season, up from 12 states in 2024, the program’s pilot year. The Direct File program will also accept more types of tax situations for the 2025 tax season. While taxpayers who used the system in 2024 could claim a handful of tax credits, including the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit , that list is expanding in 2025 to include the child and dependent care credit , among others. An estimated 30 million taxpayers will qualify for the Direct File program in 2025, the IRS says. More than 140,000 taxpayers filed their federal tax returns through the Direct File program in 2024. About 90% of users said their experience was excellent or above average, according to a survey of about 11,000 Direct File users in 2024, conducted by the General Services Administration. “We’re excited about the improvements to Direct File and the millions more taxpayers who will be eligible to use the service this year,” said Danny Werfel, the IRS commissioner, in a statement. “Our goal is to improve the experience of tax filing itself and help taxpayers meet their obligations quickly and easily.” The IRS says that taxpayers can use Direct File when the 2025 tax season kicks off in January, and it will be available until Oct. 15, 2025. But the program’s future is somewhat unclear: In December, 29 Republican lawmakers sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, calling for him to end the Direct File program on his first day in office. Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives also introduced legislation in July to end the Direct File program. For now, here’s what you need to know about how the IRS Direct File program works, and how to qualify for it. What is IRS Direct File? The Direct File program is a new initiative, about to enter its second year, that allows taxpayers to file their federal tax returns electronically with the IRS. The no-cost tool guides taxpayers through every part of their federal income tax return. Taxpayers can file using a smartphone, computer or tablet. One of the program’s advantages is that, if you have questions as you’re working on your return, you can get live support directly from the IRS via chat or phone. IRS representatives can answer basic tax questions and help with technical issues in English and Spanish. Who qualifies for IRS Direct File? The Direct File program has income limits, as well as limits on the types of income, deductions and credits you can enter on your tax return. Income limits For the 2025 tax season: Types of income To be eligible for Direct File, your income can come from the following sources: But if you’re self-employed, or have business or rental income, you can’t use Direct File . Same goes for IRA contributions or distributions: If you have either, you can’t use Direct File. Tax deductions You can use the IRS Direct File program only if you claim the standard deduction — the program isn’t available to people who itemize. But you can claim certain above-the-line deductions: student loan interest , educator expenses and health savings account contributions . You can’t use Direct File if you want to deduct your IRA contributions. Tax credits The Direct File program allows for the following tax credits in 2025: However, if you want to claim education credits , credits for energy efficient home upgrades or the adoption expense credit , you can’t use the Direct File program. Which states offer IRS Direct File? More taxpayers will have access to the IRS Direct File program in 2025. In 2024, the IRS kicked off the program with only 12 states; that number has expanded to 24 states for the 2025 tax season. For some of the states that participate in the IRS Direct File program, your federal return information will be transferred automatically to the state tax website, but in some cases you’ll have to re-enter your information. Visit this IRS Direct File page to get the details for your state. Here is a list of the participating states: What if you’re not eligible to use Direct File? If you don’t qualify for the IRS Direct File program, you may have other options to file your tax return for free. In addition to Direct File, the IRS offers the Free File program, in which it partners with online tax software providers to provide free federal income tax return filing. Some providers also allow you to file a state income tax return. For the 2024 tax season, your adjusted gross income had to be less than $79,000 to qualify for the Free File program. That dollar threshold is likely to rise slightly for the 2025 tax season. The IRS also offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides certified volunteers to prepare basic tax returns if you earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled, or speak limited English. You can find a site near you by visiting this IRS page . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Four years ago Nigel Dodman and Sandy Boulanger received a letter informing them of plans for 31 wind turbines, each 220m-high, near their home in Mid Wales. Later, the couple claimed the developer offered them a huge compensation sum in exchange for their home and their silence. When Mr Dodman looked into the planned Nant Mithil Energy Park, he estimated 10 of the 31 turbines would directly affect their small organic farm next to Radnor Forest, Powys. Given the amount being offered, they admit to being tempted – but ultimately they rejected it. Mr Dodman said compensation was offered following a meeting with Bute Energy who told him no-one would be materially affected by the planned turbines as no-one lived close enough to the site. It was only then that he realised the company didn’t actually know the couple lived there, he claimed. “At that time we were told by the managing director at Bute that we would not see or hear the turbines,” said Mr Dodman, who has lived in the idyllic rural spot for more than 20 years, says. “In reality they’ll shake our home. He changed his mind when he realised where we lived. I’m confident in saying Bute didn’t actually know there was a property here before we notified them.” Mr Dodman claims the company then offered a significant sum of money to him and his family – more than double the value of their property and land – to buy it from him on the condition he signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This would prevent him discussing matters surrounding Bute Energy’s plans in future. “It was more than double the value of the property and land as well as £10,000 a year each year until they got full planning permission,” he recalled. “In return we’d sign an NDA. We thought hard about it. In the end I just couldn’t live with myself if we were bought out. We’ve got a little paradise here. It’s a small organic farm in beautiful surroundings which we’ve made our home for 25 years. I expect to be carried out of here in a box. No-one could take that away or replace what we have.” Locals claim the area is not close to suitable for large-scale energy development. At Nant Mithil, 23 of the 31 turbines would lie outside the area pre-determined by the Welsh Government to be suitable for large-scale wind energy production, reports WalesOnline . “You can see the Radnor Forest from a long way away,” said Mr Dodman. “You can see it from the Brecon Beacons, Shropshire, the Cambrian Mountains. It’s a beautiful part of the landscape which should be protected. So, no, we didn’t take the money and we’re going to fight these plans all the way.” Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Refusing the offer was not just a decision from the heart, it was born out of principle too. He alleged: “The plans are nonsense and I think they’ll be unmasked as nonsense. Why would you ruin a landscape dependent on farming and tourism which people come here to enjoy in order to send power to England? Because that’s what all this is about. “The motivation for the planning of these energy parks is entirely financial. Money is made when the developer gets planning permission and then they sell the project on to a multinational company to do it. Wales has been seen as an easy target by companies with councils in a right mess and unable to challenge these plans.” The plans Nigel speaks about are not just at Nant Mithil. Within 17 square miles in Radnorshire, Bute Energy is planning 65 other turbines. A few miles down the road there are plans for up to 16 turbines at Bryn Gilwern Energy Park north of the village Hundred House. A couple of miles south there are plans for another 18 turbines at Aberedw Energy Park near Builth Wells. Bute Energy is behind all three of those as well as 13 others across Mid Wales. Further wind farms are planned by RES, EDF, Statkraft, Pennant Walters, RWE Renewables, Vattenfall, Galileo, Muirhall Energy, Coriolis Energy, Cenin, and Bryngygda Wind Farm Ltd. Plans for energy parks are growing at such a speed in rural Wales that groups like the Campaign for Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) have stopped publishing updated maps regularly. As campaign trustee Dr Jonathan Dean puts it, “it’s almost pointless committing it to paper now”. You can see an interactive map showing planned renewable energy parks here. Ed Miliband, UK Government secretary of state for energy security and net zero, wants to turbocharge the creation of energy parks across the UK over the next six years, doubling onshore wind and tripling solar energy. The UK Government says it will enable the UK to reach its net zero target faster and more cheaply. The promise is to eventually make energy bills lower while easing Britain’s reliance on the international energy market. Critics believe that what’s happening across rural Wales is a sign of what’s to come for the rest of Britain. Four miles away from Mr Dodman’s home is a dormant energy park called Hendy Wind Farm where seven wind turbines 110m in height haven’t turned in five years because they can’t be connected to the national grid. Campaigners fought for year to block Hendy’s turbines before the Welsh Government ignored professional advice and approved the development. The decision came with a set of conditions, one of which was that the turbines would be taken down if they didn’t turn within six months. Years later, however, the dormant turbines are still standing. “These plans always leave an awful lot to planning conditions,” said Christine Hugh-Jones of CPRW. “They say, ‘You can do this but only on the basis you abide by these conditions’. Well, look what happened to Hendy. They had loads of conditions and they weren’t properly enforced.” Mr Dodman had always felt Hendy would go wrong, having lived off grid himself in the area for two decades. “Hendy was built in a valley in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Wales,” he said. “But there is no grid connection to this part of the country. “They justified it on the grounds of saving the planet and yet it’s never turned because it was never in the right place. Now it’s just a complete eyesore that offers nothing.” Mr Dodman and Ms Boulanger know more than most about the unpredictability of wind energy. They have a wind turbine in their own garden which they claim they can’t hear because it’s a small farm turbine. They have it, they say, because they’re off grid. But they rely on a back-up generator because the turbine is so unreliable – particularly in the winter when they need the energy the most. “Wind turbines only produce a fraction of their capacity,” Mr Dodman says. “For wind energy it’s less than 26%, I believe.” Developers have vowed to learn from Hendy. Bute Energy’s subsidiary company, GreenGen Cymru (GGC), plans two pylon highways to connect planned wind farms to the National Grid. These would travel 60 miles from Mid Wales to a substation in Carmarthen. Farmers and landowners have received letters informing them their land is earmarked for the pylons. One of the pylon highways, the Towy Usk route, would run from Nant Mithil to Llandyfaelog going through Aberedw Hill, Llangammach Wells, Llandovery, Llandeilo, and Llandyfaelog. The other, the Towy Teifi route, would run from Lan Fawr to Lampeter through Llanllwni, Alltwalis, Rhydargeau, and Llandyfaelog. The plan is for it to go for planning approval in 2026. If green-lighted, construction would start the following year with the scheme operational in 2028. Both schemes have to be decided by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW). Ultimately, the aim is to connect up the electricity transmission systems of North and South Wales to facilitate the building of onshore wind farms in Mid Wales. While some landowners might be ready to host pylons and turbines on their land, most are angry. Drive through the villages in rural Mid Wales and you’ll see many landowners have erected signs telling Bute Energy and GreenGen Cymru to stay off their land. Some have received legal letters informing them that under law they are compelled to allow access to their land for surveys to be carried out for pylons. We tracked down one farmer who had erected signs in the local village. They said they didn’t want to speak to the Press because the situation was volatile - and they needed to maintain relationships with neighbouring farmers who’d agreed to sell their land for pylons. Other locals are more open in their opposition. Susan Williams, who has lived at Hundred House for more than a decade, said: “I can’t see how as a local person I will materially benefit from these plans. If it was benefiting our area, I wouldn’t be so against it. But this is people elsewhere thinking, ‘Not in my back yard but we can do it in theirs’. Sometimes I do feel as if rural people do not matter. “The problem around here is the pylons really. If they put them underground I think people wouldn’t mind. But to be putting all these pylons in people’s land and forcing them to accept it seems shocking to me. “A lot of people now have signs up on their gates saying ‘No entry’. This could end really badly. People will not put up with it. It’s as if there’s no respect for the people who live here and have farmed the land for years. And I very much doubt we’ll get cheaper electricity at the end of it.” GGC was set up with the aim of unlocking Wales’ green energy potential. The company said undergrounding cables was problematic. “Our investigations show that underground cables require more land and create more ground disturbance during construction,” it said. “This could also lead to longer-term ecological and environmental impacts. Using pylons will allow us to provide a new connection quickly with minimal disruption to the land, allowing us to fight back against climate change as soon as we can.” GGC said it is “working with industry experts” to get an accurate cost of delivering the project underground. But it believes overhead lines are “the most viable and cost-effective option at this stage for delivering a connection quickly”. The company said it will assess if any parts of the connection need to be placed underground - “for example in highly constrained or particularly sensitive areas”. The Welsh Government’s position is that new power lines should, where possible, be put underground but “that a balanced view must be taken against costs which could render otherwise acceptable projects unviable”. Bute Energy said it will donate 50% more than the industry average on things that will benefit the community in the Radnorshire hills as de facto compensation for the inconvenience. Campaigners say this doesn’t go far enough. On the strength of feeling across the region, CPRW's Christine Hugh-Jones said: “It’s very divisive because a lot of people stand to make a lot of money and on the other hand there’s a lot of local unhappiness about it all. But there are other ways things like this divide communities too such as the promises of community benefits for people affected by it all. “In reality, what happens is Bute will choose projects like a children’s playground or a rugby pitch or something like that, so only the people who use those things get something back. Surely, if you have a wind farm and it’s making money since it’s producing electricity, you ought to decrease the bills of the people suffering from it. And since you’re trashing the environment, you should pay for environmental restoration elsewhere.” Jenny Chryss, of fellow campaign group ReThink, believes people are starting to “realise exactly what could be coming down the road”. He said: “As developments are beginning to get traction, what’s coming is becoming ingrained in people’s minds. “Some people of course have signed up to have turbines and pylons on their land and I’d assume they’re happy. Some don’t care. A lot of people and particularly those living near the developments proposed or the infrastructure are extremely fearful for their livelihoods. “Yes, compared to a lot of areas across the UK, this area is sparsely populated. But that shouldn’t mean, ‘We’ll just dump this here because there aren’t many of you’. These villages are vibrant communities. This isn’t a wasteland. They are thriving communities with agriculture and tourism at their hearts and this is going to decimate them. “People here are more or less going to be surrounded by wind farms at a size never demonstrated in the UK before. Understandably people living next to these things are very fearful for their futures.” The new-generation turbines proposed across Wales are giants. The construction of Nant Mithil, expected to be completed in 2029 if plans are approved, includes 31 turbines more than 200m in height. Bute Energy said this turbine-flation simply “reflects changes in technology over recent years”. The foundations will be five metres deep and 25 metres wide. Up to 59,000 cubic metres of concrete will be used at the site. The company said it will make every effort to restore the land after use. Campaigners argue wind energy is not needed at such a large scale and could be done more efficiently offshore. Ms Hugh-Jones says: “It’s not just the wind farms – it’s the roads infrastructure and what it would do to the whole area. To me there’s no point trashing your natural environment to get more energy if there are better places to put these turbines. “I care what this will do to a very special swathe of Mid Wales. It’s a relatively traditional and unchanged area of Wales and I feel this is being exploited and is not going to be good for the communities nor the landscape. Bute Energy has taken a look at Wales and have seen a hole in the market. They’ve spotted Wales as a prime money-making spot." ReThink’s Jenny Chryss pointed out that Wales has a nature emergency as well as a climate emergency. She said: “I am not at all convinced enough is being done with these projects to protect nature and ecology at the expense of building these energy parks. “I think the major issue with all of this is the scale of it all really. It’s the size of the proposals and how many of them there are. People are already starting to talk about Wales becoming the power station of England. “Awareness of how this all works is growing. Wales doesn’t need all the renewable energy produced here if all of these wind farms happen – it’ll make its way off to the grid and it’ll be exported out of Wales. That adds to the feeling of Wales being used as a power station. “The development phases would be at least as much concern for local people. It will be years and years of disruption to local people, never mind what the finished product looks like. We are not saying there isn’t a climate emergency and we’re not saying don’t build wind farms. We’re saying simply carpeting Mid Wales with pylons and turbines is not the way forward.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox A spokesperson for Bute Energy said: “We recognise the depth of feeling on the big questions that come with the climate emergency and the need to create a sustainable world for future generations. We also recognise the significant change our move to clean power represents for communities across Wales and the UK – including in mid Wales. Our belief is that we must act now to protect our environment and support vibrant, thriving communities. “We have spent the past two years engaging with host communities for our energy parks, answering questions and actively ensuring that we take on board community views while delivering a greener future for Wales. Meaningful and ongoing engagement with communities on the design of our energy parks is a key part of our approach. At Nant Mithil we reduced the number and maximum height of the turbines and shifted the project’s footprint away from people’s homes in response to the local feedback. “Nant Mithil will generate up to 205 MW of clean energy. That’s enough to power up to 202,000 homes and displace up to 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Our full £3bn portfolio is approximately 10 times that size and will meet around 25% of Wales’ expected electricity needs by 2035. “Our communities also help design and deliver our community benefit fund that could be worth up to £20m every year – the largest offered by any developer in Wales. We work with charities, schools, and other local organisations to ensure our investment remains in Wales and delivers a legacy of green skills, good jobs, and funding for projects that genuinely matter to local people. At Nant Mithil that fund is worth £1.5m a year.” The company did not directly address Mr Dodman’s claims around the financial offer he says was made, nor the request for an NDA. GreenGen Cymru also issued a statement. It said: “Tackling the climate emergency, connecting new community and renewable energy projects, creating and expanding businesses, and electrifying our heating and transport systems will all require more grid capacity. These are challenge that Wales faces – ones that need to be tackled urgently and ones that we are trying to help address. “Whether it is undergrounding cables, wood poles, or lattice towers, across our projects all suitable technology options are being considered, reviewed, and utilised and typically a network will involve a combination of technologies. Throughout Wales and the wider UK electricity connections are a tried and tested technology that have been operating safely within communities for decades. This includes areas popular with tourism and on agricultural land. “Towy Teifi and Towy Usk, along with all our projects, are currently going through consultation phases where we are asking for feedback on our proposals. As is standard across the industry changes are made between these stages. For example, thanks to feedback and further environmental and technical assessments, numerous changes were made on Towy Usk. This includes a 5.5km of underground section near Llanarthne and the rerouting of the project to better avoid tourism businesses near Builth Wells. “Our second round of consultation on our Towy Teifi project will launch in the spring where we will be able to share updated proposals and where we will once again be asking for detailed feedback. In terms of agriculture, if approved, the towers we would propose to use on our 132kv overhead line are around half the size of the transmission pylons already seen in places like Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire along the M4. “There is no evidence that overhead lines and pylons have a materially adverse impact on livestock or grazing behavior which can continue up to and within the footings of the pylons. “The footprint of the pylons currently proposed for the Towy Teifi connection will be modest. Except in the footprint of the pylon it is anticipated the normal farming practice will be able to continue under the overhead lines. “Detailed consideration of pylon siting and overhead line alignment during the design and environmental impact assessment (EIA) process will seek to reduce the loss of agricultural land and disruption of agricultural activities to the extent feasible. We will work closely with farmers and landowners in developing the project to understand their concerns and to reduce any effects on their operation of their land as much as possible. “GreenGen Cymru’s overwhelming preference is to seek voluntary engagements with landowners. As such, we and our external land agents have been actively engaged in negotiating voluntary agreements with landowners on the Towy Teifi project since January 2024. Unfortunately we have been unable to reach voluntary agreements with all landowners and some as a result have recently received statutory notice under section 172 of the Housing & Planning Act. “All landowners have been offered and continue to be offered in person meeting with members of the GGC team and our external land agents. It is always stressed that agreeing to surveys in no way restricts landowners’ ability to respond to project consultations or express their views on our proposals.” Find out what's happening near you