Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Accepted
Long-term targets and a clear roadmap for delivery, as recommended elsewhere in this report, should...
Conclusion
Long-term targets and a clear roadmap for delivery, as recommended elsewhere in this report, should be provided at the earliest opportunity to assist National Grid ESO in planning for improvements to grid infrastructure. Alongside this, the UK Government should continue to appraise National Grid ESO’s proposals, ensure these are fit for purpose and, where necessary, back proposals with anticipatory investment. We also recommend the UK Government continue to engage with industry and other stakeholders on finding solutions to grid infrastructure acceleration. These solutions should be sought in accordance with the target of reducing processing times by a minimum of 50% within a year. (Paragraph 73) Floating Offshore Wind in Wales 31
Government Response Summary
The government states it is working with Ofgem and network companies to deliver anticipatory investment, and that Ofgem's price control will fund investment in the network for new connections, and has appointed an Electricity Networks Commissioner to advise on how to speed up consenting and regulatory approvals and will respond with an action plan later this year.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government is working with Ofgem, network companies and others to deliver anticipatory investment and enable renewable generation. Ofgem’s price control funds investment in the network for new connections. As part of the 2023–28 electricity distribution network price control, Ofgem will allow £3.1bn for network upgrades. These actions should reduce connection timescales for projects across the country. Accelerating the delivery of electricity network infrastructure is a high priority for Government. We have already taken action to improve strategic planning and speed up consenting and regulatory approvals, and have appointed Nick Winser as Electricity Networks Commissioner to advise on how we can go further. We will respond with an action plan later this year.