Assessment and Design Fees are charged by local electricity network operators for applications to connect planned projects to the electricity grid. A quarter of Britain's electricity generation capacity is now connected at a local level and in recent years there has been a huge increase in the deployment of new forms of clean, renewable energy. Energy networks are proud to have played a key role in helping deliver this as part of their commitment to creating a smarter, cleaner and more efficient energy system for our homes and businesses.
On 6th April 2018, changes were introduced to the Fees because of the large number of speculative applications that were being made by project developers but then not taken forward. Each application requires a network operator to commit resources to understanding the impact of an application on the behaviour of the local electricity grid through modelling, design and assessment work. This work is important to maintain the integrity and reliability of the network and to ensure that any connection does not compromise that.
These changes were introduced following a Call for Evidence by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy which found that the majority of respondents supported the Government's proposed changes to the way these charges are structured.
Commenting on the changes an ENA Spokesperson says:
"The charges for connection applications have been introduced following a recent Government consultation, which found that the majority of industry supported the change. Under the old system a large number of speculative applications were being made without being followed through. The costs of the modelling, design and studies undertaken by the connection teams of the local network operators for those applications would then fall completely upon those developers who decided to accept a connection agreement.
"The new system will be fairer because those developers accepting an agreement will no longer have to bear all the costs. The cost of connections for those developers will be reduced and network operators will be able to deliver connections more quickly, helping them play their part in delivering a smarter, cleaner and more efficient energy system."
Notes to editor
- The changes to charges are being introduced following a Call for Evidence by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. Industry feedback is summarised on P2 of the response which can be found online here.
- The changes to the charges will be revenue neutral for Distribution Network Operators.
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.