ENA today responded to a planned speech at Utility Week Live to be given by Ofgem Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Brearley. In it, he comments on the current queuing system for grid connections and describes how a 'major review' will be launched on the issue.
Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive, Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy network operators, said:
"There is a real sense of urgency to this challenge. The industry has received 164GW of new connection requests in the year to October 2022 alone. That’s around three times the capacity of our grid today. We're pleased Ofgem has listened to the industry's recommendations to accelerate connections by moving away from a ‘first come, first served’ regime towards a ‘first ready, first connected’ model and we look forward to fully supporting their review.
“Last month we launched our Improving and Accelerating Customer Connections plan, which includes practical steps for moving to a 'first ready, first connected’ system."
Notes to editor
- National Grid ESO's Five Point Plan and Energy Networks Association's Strategic Connections Group are focused on speeding up connections.
- Read ENA's Improving and Accelerating Customer Connections plan here: https://www.energynetworks.org/operating-the-networks/connecting-to-the-networks/improving-and-accelerating-customer-connections
- We’re delivering more flexible connection queue management, reforming the way transmission network reinforcements are triggered, allowing truly ‘connection ready’ projects to queue jump and connect faster and improving planning processes between transmission and distribution.
- Requiring Ofgem to consider net zero in their decision making will enable more strategic investment, removing a clear barrier to investment in the low-cost, low-carbon energy system we are all working towards.
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.