Major reforms needed in electricity connections process

Wokingham Borough Council has written to the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) demanding major reforms are made to the electricity connections process as a matter of urgency. 

OFGEM is currently seeking feedback on a range of reforms they have proposed to government.

If implemented these reforms could see the council’s proposals for a new solar farm at Barkham back on track, following an announcement in April of an 11-year delay to when the scheme could connect to the national grid. 

According to OFGEM the country is at a pivotal moment in its journey towards net zero and calls for a fit for the future connections regime.

This new approach would see new renewable schemes able to connect to the grid earlier, supporting the government target of decarbonising the countries power system by 2035.

The reforms would also help make the UK more energy secure and less dependent on importing electricity or gas from abroad. 

Being held back by 'outdated processes'

Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services, said: “Our solar farm proposals are incredibly important to the council, not just in achieving our climate emergency action plan ambitions, but also in generating income to help fund essential services for our residents. 

“We were frustrated to receive news of the delay earlier this year. Since then we’ve been working closely with SSEN and National Grid to get to the root of the issue and see what can be done to make Barkham solar farm happen.

"We now understand we are very much aligned in our thinking, with all parties wanting to see the scheme go ahead but being held back by outdated processes and rules.

“The government’s own publications, like Powering up Britain, recognise the importance of switching to more secure and renewable energy sources as well as a need for change.

"We know that they will be publishing a plan later this summer talking about their ideas but it’s critical that they listen to the voices calling for reforms to how the system works.

"We need a clear action plan in place to show how this will happen and when the reforms will be put in place to give the confidence needed to progress schemes.” 

Campaigning for reform

In addition to responding to the OFGEM call for reform consultation, the council will also campaign for change by lobbying ministers and MPs to stress the importance of getting the reforms right and swiftly, as well as working with bodies like the Local Government Association (LGA) to collectively campaign with other councils impacted on by these delays. 

Work on the Barkham site has been temporarily placed on hold to give time for the governments reform plan to be published and assessed.

Should the expected reforms be approved it is expected the council will receive a new connection date more in line with the original offer and installation work will be able to commence. 

Land won't be used for housing

Cllr Kerr continued: “Whilst rumours have been circulating that the site could be used for housing if the farm did not progress this is not the case.

"The land is not suitable for housing and the planning consent for the solar panels is for a fixed period and at the end of this the land immediately reverts to its original farmland status. 

“Using this site for a solar farm is a major part of our plans to address the climate emergency and secure income for the council, as well as helping us deliver elements such as planting thousands of new trees and creating a new greenway to help improve walking and cycling routes across the area.”