Families' electricity bills could rise as energy giants make the network ready for High Speed 2, it emerged today.
Scottish Power has asked regulator Ofgem for permission to raise an extra £35million to prepare for the rail link from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
Some £27million of the total would pay for "wider network reinforcement" to support new homes and businesses predicted to spring up along the route.
After the formal request was reported by the Sunday Telegraph, a source at the energy giant insisted the "worst case scenario" would only see up to 75p a year added to bills. A spokesman said bills could also come down if extra homes are built.
But the request faces rejection after Ofgem, whose consultation closes this month, said it is "minded" to deny Scottish Power the extra funds.
Groups raising concerns included Citizens Advice, which said: "We are concerned that some of the costs being claimed are not justified as economic and efficient."
It came as former deputy PM David Lidington revealed he "always thought" the case for the £56bn rail link was "weak".
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today said the government will decide by the end of the year whether to scrap the project.
Mr Shapps said "any outcome is possible" after a full 'go or no-no' review of the link launched this week.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said there were concerns about the rail line's design and cost - but northern cities would stage an "almighty fight" if it was scrapped altogether.
A Scottish Power spokesman said: "If this investment ahead of need is not made to coincide with HS2 then the connections and economic growth opportunities will be deferred.
"If the forecast volumes of new customers connect to our network then our average domestic customer charges will reduce as a consequence."
