Power lines under rapid construction with one planned 35 metres from homes in Vantaa

Finland is expanding both its national grid and regional distribution networks at record speed, but a planned high-voltage line in Vantaa has sparked controversy among local residents, reports Yle Uutiset.

The new power line, proposed by Vantaa Energy Networks (VES), would run within tens of metres of homes in the Kivistö district, cutting through farmland near Rauhala. Residents including Toni Turunen, Inga Rantanen, Petteri Lehtilä, and Antti Rajala argue the overhead line would drastically alter the landscape, with one pylons just 35 metres from Lehtilä’s backyard.

Residents demand underground cables, company cites cost
VES defends the overhead line as significantly cheaper—€11 million compared to €85 million for a fully buried cable—citing a long-standing zoning reservation from the 1980s, last updated in 2021. The company states it has followed standard procedures, including environmental assessments and consultations with authorities.

Residents, however, claim they were only informed of the precise route in early 2024 when marker posts appeared near their properties. They accuse VES of relying on outdated zoning plans and demand an environmental impact assessment (EIA), which would delay construction. Some propose alternative routes, such as following Keimolantie road, to avoid residential areas.

Surge in power line projects across southern Finland
The dispute reflects broader challenges as Finland races to upgrade its grid amid soaring electricity demand in the south. While Vantaa’s city board requested a reassessment of underground cabling last autumn, VES insists the overhead line remains the most feasible option.

The company is currently compiling materials for regional authorities, who will decide whether an EIA is required.