Electricity networks

Electricity networks announce three-step plan to speed up connections

DFS needs third-party switching mechanism

SSEN forecasts 1,300% increase in heat pumps by 2030

Grid connection delays are ‘unacceptable’, minister admits

Long waits for developers to secure grid connections are “unacceptable”, energy ministers have said during DESNZ question time. Energy secretary Grant Shapps also said the introduction of a cut price social tariff for low income customers “could be very helpful”.

Minimum summer demand forecast to drop to 15.6GW

Government urged to review planning rules for water projects

National Grid: We’re not averse to competition

Looming copper crisis must spark connection rethink

Predicted copper shortage have led to calls for alternative, more efficient ways of hooking up renewable energy schemes to avoid project delays, soaring costs and generation shortages. Former Ofgem senior partner Maxine Frerk told Utility Week that the regulator needs to do more to drive down electrical leaks, while Dominic Quennell, CEO of Enertechnos, has called for the rollout of an alternative cabling system.

Octopus calls out hydrogen champion’s ‘misleading’ claims

A coalition of 20 organisations including Octopus Energy, E3G and the UK Green Building Council have called on the government to reject recommendations made by hydrogen champion Jane Toogood. The coalition has labelled Toogood’s report on hydrogen and heat electrification as “misleading” and warns that accepting her recommendations risks driving up consumer bills and could undermine the government’s targets on heat pumps.

Centrica: DNOs are holding up EV and heat pump connections

DNOs are unable to deal with an increasing volume of electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint and heat pump connection requests, according to Centrica. In particular, Centrica has raised concerns around “chronic capacity shortages”, lengthy response times to connection requests and charging inconsistencies.

The evolution of asset management

Asset management is at heart of everything gas and electricity network companies do to ensure their customers receive safe and reliable energy supplies at the most efficient cost. Over time, changing generation and demand profiles have impacted network use, and new techniques and technology have created opportunities as consumers’ needs and expectations have expanded.

ESO completes first stability pathfinder  

Offshore wind champion moots scrapping CfD auctions

Ofgem awards £6.1m to innovation projects

Fixing suppliers can’t hold up market reform, Glover warns

Investment in new generation cannot wait for the retail power sector to be reformed, RWE’s UK head Tom Glover has warned. Glover also warned that a "big bang" style review of the wholesale electricity market risks disrupting investment in the sector.