Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with Ofgem on the potential effect on electricity bills of voltage optimisation.
Voltage limits are set by law to protect, and help ensure the efficient operation of, the electricity system. Any change to voltage levels requires careful consideration of all the potential impacts including on consumer appliances, the wider electricity system, and consumer electricity bills. The Department commissioned an independent review of electrical engineering standards, which included recommendations concerning voltage limits when it reported in December 2020[1]. We are engaging with Ofgem as we consider the recommendations and will provide a response in due course.
Ofgem has also provided funding to distribution network operators for voltage optimisation innovation trials and the Energy Networks Association is examining the case for extending statutory voltage limits. These activities are providing evidence of the impacts of voltage optimisation.