Ofgem: WPD ‘leading the way’ on connecting renewables

Ofgem has singled out Western Power Distribution (WPD) as leading the way among distribution network operators (DNO) in facilitating connections to local electricity grids.

The regulator is challenging DNOs to follow WPD’s example and squeeze more capacity out of their grids by offering flexible connections to renewable developers.

WPD has a queue of 7.6GW of generators, including 4.8GW of solar panel schemes, waiting to connect in the South West.

Ofgem said WPD is reconfiguring part of its grid so some connections can be made more quickly, and is also leading the way in offering flexible connections, where generators agree to cut their output at times of highest demand without receiving compensation to get connected.

Due to the huge growth in renewables Ofgem is also calling on DNOs to find innovative ways of building new capacity further in advance to speed up connections using funding in their price controls.

Ofgem is currently assessing trial schemes DNOs have proposed to enable advanced investment.

By December 2015 8.6GW of solar capacity had been installed 15 years ahead of forecasts. Official projections made in 2012 suggested that around 6.5GW of solar panel capacity would be connected by 2030.

Ofgem chief executive Dermot Nolan said: “We want DNOs to take creative approaches to speeding up renewable connections.

“We are also calling on DNOs to enable earlier investment in new capacity where necessary using funding in their price controls. This means that they won’t be adding extra costs onto [energy] bills.”

Ofgem has also today issued a consultation seeking renewable generators’ views on how well DNOs are engaging with customers wishing to connect to the network, which will underpin any financial penalties it may hand out.