Generating reform

Reforms to rules governing access to the high-voltage electricity transmission network and the investment incentives on transmission companies are being proposed by

and the

(BERR).

According to Ofgem, the changes would allow for much faster connection of more than 35GW of renewable generation to meet the government’s target of generating 15 per cent of Britain’s energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Ofgem also stated that the reforms will make it easier for other low-carbon generation and any new nuclear plants to connect to the transmission network as existing power stations reach the end of their operating lives or need to be replaced with lower carbon forms of generation.

Access to the transmission network is currently governed by rules that were devised to connect large conventional gas, coal and nuclear power stations. These rules are said to be poorly suited for rapidly connecting a large volume of smaller renewable generators or a significant volume of new conventional, lower carbon generation. Reform of the access rules is critical if Britain is to achieve its 2020 renewable targets and maintain security of supply.