Committee questions National Energy System Operator on future of the energy grid
The Industry and Regulators Committee will continue its inquiry into the energy grid and grid connections by hearing from the National Energy System Operator (NESO), which manages how supply and demand are balanced on the grid. The Committee will discuss NESO’s role in providing future planning of the energy system, including for energy networks, and how these various plans will interact both with each other and with other forms of strategic planning for land use. It will also consider NESO’s proposals to reform the queue for being connected to the grid, and whether it has struck the right balance between providing a manageable queue and allowing energy projects to come forward. The Committee will examine whether there is sufficient urgency in the sector, including in its regulators and institutions, to provide the necessary infrastructure to meet the clean power target.
Meeting details
Possible questions include:
- What are the main potential causes of delay in providing energy network infrastructure?
- Have proposals for connections queue reform struck the right balance to provide a manageable queue without holding back valuable projects?
- Does NESO have sufficient clarity on how its various strategic energy plans will be integrated into the planning system and regulatory approvals?
- Is there a clear enough division of responsibilities between the Government, Ofgem and NESO?