Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has released new analysis showing 93% of its engaged stakeholders support reform of the current transmission charging regime.
It comes after SSEN published separate analysis in February showing how renewable generators located in Scotland pay what it said is “significantly” higher costs to connect their electricity to the grid than those in other parts of Great Britain.
It said that while a wind farm in the north of Scotland pays £5.50 per unit of energy, an equivalent wind farm in Wales will pay £2.80 per unit.
In today’s (10 May) follow up to this analysis, SSEN said that 70% of stakeholders agreed with the findings of its initial paper, while 84% said that the Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) Tariff Model acts as a barrier to the delivery of their renewable projects in Scotland.
These views were gathered using a range of methods, including written responses, calls with stakeholders, feedback forms and through an interactive stakeholder webinar session that was joined by over 100 participants including renewables developers, consultants, industry bodies, local authorities and economic development agencies.
Andrew Urquhart, head of whole system at SSEN Transmission, said that the TNUoS charges as well as uncertainty over future changes are “acting as a barrier to the commercial viability of renewable energy projects”, which is in turn making it “difficult for us to determine system investment needs for our Transmission network”.
“It is clear from our analysis and engagement to date that there is overwhelming support for TNUoS reform and that urgent action is required to address current barriers in the context of the climate emergency.”
