Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 41
We recommend that the Government explain the timescales of “today” and “tomorrow” in the context...
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government explain the timescales of “today” and “tomorrow” in the context of grid capacity in Wales. Further to this we recommend that the Government explains the evidence for its statement that the electricity grid in Wales is “fit for purpose today” in light of the evidence we have received on grid constraints in Wales. The UK Government must work with the Welsh Government to produce an agreed assessment of current electricity grid capacity in Wales and set out the agreed timetable for publication.
Government Response Summary
The government recognises the challenges faced in Wales and evidence provided and states that network regulation is a matter for Ofgem.
Paragraph Reference:
41
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
It is worth noting at the outset that constraints are a normal part of a healthy electricity network system, as expanding the network to remove all constraints would never be cost efficient. However, excessive constraints need to be avoided and the Government recognises the challenges faced in Wales and welcomes the evidence provided to this Committee’s inquiry on this matter. Network regulation, including ensuring sufficient investment in network infrastructure to meet the predicted increase in electricity demands due to electrification of transport, heat and other sectors, is a matter for Ofgem, as the independent regulator. Ofgem uses the