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Ofgem has launched an investigation into the delivery and operation of the £1.3 billion Western HVDC subsea cable.
The probe will review the performance of National Grid and Scottish Power in relation to the cable, which runs between Hunterston in western Scotland and Flintshire Bridge in north Wales.
The joint venture between the two companies, Western Link, launched the 240-mile cable in October 2018 – three years later than originally planned.
Since then it has suffered a series of outtages, including one earlier this month, which led to the company paying £5 million in compensation to windfarms.
The investigation will consider whether Western Link has breached licence conditions relating to the expected delivery and provision of services, as well as examining potential breaches relating to the operation of the cable.
The company issued a statement saying: “National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) and Scottish Power Transmission (SPT) note Ofgem’s investigation into the Western Link, the high voltage electricity cable between Scotland and England. We will continue to work with Ofgem in an open and transparent manner and will fully co-operate with this investigation.
“We are confident that our investment in the link has delivered benefits for consumers since entering service in 2017, and will continue to deliver benefits. We are committed to providing a reliable link that will transport cleaner greener energy to our homes and businesses across Great Britain.
“We are working hard to repair the current cable fault and are certain we will overcome these difficulties and establish a link that will continue to benefit consumers for many years to come.”
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