Ofgem has called on network operators to get renewables, clean power and storage projects connected to the grid faster, while providing connecting customers with higher standards of service along the way.
The call comes as the UK energy regulator sets out a series of proposals to overhaul the process for getting new schemes connected to the network, speeding up the process and preventing it from being clogged up with unviable systems.
If approved, the new approach would slim down the 722GW of projects in the queue, with schemes prioritised if they can be operational within five years and contribute to the right mix of renewables generation types in the right location and at the right voltage to hit the government’s 2030 goal.
However, Ofgem said a new process on its own is not enough – tighter regulations are needed to drive up standards and ensure the system delivers maximum benefit.
This week Ofgem and government set out its expectation that the time it takes for new wind, solar and storage projects to connect to the grid should be slashed, as NESO unveiled its Clean Power Plan and connection reform proposals.
Ofgem director for energy system design and development Eleanor Warburton said:
“If we are to hit our 2030 target, it is vital that we can get clean, secure and homegrown electricity flowing through the grid as quickly as possible.
“This is why we are overhauling the application system to cut down on delays to the hundreds of approved projects that are ready to connect to the grid; this will in turn block hundreds of unviable, stalled and speculative schemes in the process.
“Today we are also proposing tough new rules to ensure networks connect to the grid quickly, reliably, and using every part of their network capacity. We are also looking at strengthened protections for customers connecting to the grid if they receive poor service in order to keep investment flowing.
“Without this, we risk falling short of providing cleaner, more affordable and more secure energy for everyone.”
Ofgem said the ‘end to end’ review has analysed and assessed each stage of the connections process across Great Britain’s three high-voltage transmission and 14 distribution operators to look at where changes can be made to help approved projects connect to the grid as soon as possible.
The report notes that, while network companies are handling a record volume of connections, tough but fair new regulations are required to improve customer service and stop timelines slipping to ensure they hit deadlines.
Ofgem is proposing companies could face stronger licences; financial penalties; and tougher enforcement if they don’t hit stricter milestones and deadlines – with the tougher regime in place within 12 months.