Asked by: Richard Fuller (Conservative - North Bedfordshire)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the capacity of the National Grid to provide (a) timely and (b) adequate connections in the context of estimated trends in the level of adoption of rooftop solar installations on commercial properties.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Ofgem recently made it easier for smaller generation projects (under 5MW in England and Wales) to connect, by removing the requirement for a transmission network impact assessment [1]. For larger projects, the implementation of connections reform will prioritise connections that are ready and aligned with our clean power 2030 ambitions. Furthermore, the next Ofgem price control for electricity distribution (ED3, 2028-2033) will promote strategic network investment ahead of need, including through the introduction of Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs). This will enable the timely connection of rooftop solar and other low carbon electricity generation across Great Britain.
Asked by: Richard Fuller (Conservative - North Bedfordshire)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the feasibility of installing a grid connection corridor along the A1 and A421 to enable commercial warehouses in that area to connect rooftop solar installations to the National Grid.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Distribution Network Operators are upgrading local electricity distribution networks across Great Britain to enable the connection of low carbon generation, including rooftop solar. For the current electricity distribution price control (RIIO-ED2, 2023-2028), Ofgem have allowed £22.2bn of upfront investment, including £3.1bn for network upgrades for low-carbon technologies. For the next electricity distribution price control (RIIO-ED3, 2028-2033), Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs) will support strategic network investment ahead of need, on a locational basis. The government will continue to support Ofgem in ensuring that consumer costs are protected while enabling the network transformation required for net zero.
Asked by: Richard Fuller (Conservative - North Bedfordshire)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential contribution of rooftop solar energy to the Government's net zero targets; and whether her Department plans to require a certain proportion of solar energy to be delivered through rooftop solar.
Answered by Graham Stuart
As set out in the Powering Up Britain Energy Security Plan, the Government is aiming for 70 gigawatts of ground and rooftop solar capacity together by 2035. Maximising deployment of both types of solar is important to achieve this target. Rooftop solar is a key priority for the Government and is one of the most popular and easily deployed renewable energy sources.
Asked by: Richard Fuller (Conservative - North Bedfordshire)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to improve the availability of smart meters for properties which are unable to connect to the Wide Area Network.
Answered by Amanda Solloway
Today, the Data Communications Company (DCC) provides Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage for smart meters to at least 99.25% of premises across Great Britain.
The DCC also has license obligations to explore solutions for increasing WAN coverage even further. DCC is currently developing a business case exploring such solutions, including an option for using already available internet-connected Consumer Access Devices to provide smart services. The consumer would need to have their own broadband connection and be prepared to enable the Consumer Access Device to utilise it. The Department expects to receive initial proposals from DCC shortly for review.
Asked by: Richard Fuller (Conservative - North Bedfordshire)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress he has made on considering options for a social tariff as part of wider retail energy market reforms; and whether he has plans for consultation on the options.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Autumn Statement set out a commitment to work with consumer groups and industry to consider the best approach to consumer protection from April 2024, including options such as social tariffs, as part of wider retail market reforms.
Officials are considering the options and proactively discussing these with stakeholders.
As set out in the Energy Security Plan, the Government intends to consult in Summer 2023 on options for a new approach to consumer protection in the energy markets from April 2024 onwards.