SP Energy Networks launches RIIO T2 consultation

SP Energy Networks (SPEN) has launched a public consultation to help plan the future of electricity transmission in Scotland as part of its 2021-2026 investment plan for RIIO T2.

The network operator is seeking customers’ views on future energy scenarios, as it develops its five-year plan to ensure the security of electricity supply and to meet government objectives to move to a low-carbon economy.

The consultation outlines the challenges the electricity network is facing including increasing consumer demand for electric vehicles and heat pumps.

It will consider the increase in the number of new renewable energy generators looking to supply the transmission system with electricity.

Several scenarios of how best to invest in these challenges will also be outlined.

SPEN’s director of network planning and regulation, Scott Mathieson, said: “Understanding how electricity demand and supply could evolve on our transmission network is a key factor in informing the need for reinforcement works and ultimately SP Energy Networks’ business plan.

“We have laid out a number of scenarios in our consultation document which demonstrate the uncertainty which exists around expected levels of demand and supply, especially in the long term.  These have been developed in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders including national and local government as well as customers.

“But we need ongoing feedback from our stakeholders – both producers and consumers of electricity – to make sure our plans meet the needs of our customers.

“We are seeking views on what stakeholders believe are the issues we should be planning for, how we can factor in the uncertainty, and how we can move towards a more flexible use of our electricity network, where peak demand can be moved around to minimise its impact on the network.

The consultation will run until 28 September before plans are submitted to Ofgem for final approval.