Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission) is part of the SSE group and owns and maintains the high voltage electricity network that serves the north of Scotland. In total we maintain about 5,000km of overhead lines and underground cables – easily enough to stretch across the Atlantic from John O’Groats all the way to Boston in the USA. Our network crosses some of the UK’s most challenging terrain – including circuits that are buried under the seabed, are located over 750 metres above sea level and up to 250km long. The landscape and environment that contribute to the challenges we face also give the area a rich resource for renewable energy generation. There is a high demand to connect from new wind, hydro and marine generators which rely on SHE Transmission to provide a physical link between the new sources of power and electricity users. SHE Transmission is delivering a major programme of investment to ensure that the network is ready to meet the needs of our customers in the future. As we are the only company that owns an electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland we are closely regulated by the energy regulator Ofgem. We are issued with a licence to operate and we must adhere to the terms of the licence. For this reason we are operated on a very separate basis to other SSE businesses. Our licence stipulates that we must develop and maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity transmission. Existing infrastructure Completed Under construction Potential development Advanced planning Electricity Transmission is the transportation of electricity from generating plants to where it is required at centres of demand. The Electricity Transmission network, or grid, transports electricity at very high voltages through overhead wires, underground cables and subsea cables. The transmission network connects large scale generation, primarily renewables, to central and southern Scotland and the rest of Great Britain. The Electricity Distribution network is connected into the Transmission network but the voltage is lowered, by transformers at electricity substations, and the power is then distributed to homes and businesses through overhead lines or underground cables. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc Who we are Our Responsibilities Overview of Transmission projects What is the difference between Transmission and Distribution? Other SSE Businesses Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc (SHE Transmission) Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution Plc (SHEPD) Overview of Transmission projects Existing infrastructure Completed Under construction Potential development Advanced planning Aberdeen Peterhead Kintore Moray Firth Blackhillock Denny Kincardine Arran Hunterston Kintyre Perth Dounreay Orkney Spittal Tomatin Gills Bay Western Isles Shetland Beauly Mossford Skye Knocknagael Lairg Loch Buidhe (Bonar Bridge) Mybster
Transcript
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission) is part of the SSE group and owns and maintains the high voltage electricity network that serves the north of Scotland.In total we maintain about 5,000km of overhead lines and underground cables – easily enough to stretch across the Atlantic from John O’Groats all the way to Boston in the USA.
Our network crosses some of the UK’s most challenging terrain – including circuits that are buried under the seabed, are located over 750 metres above sea level and up to 250km long.
The landscape and environment that contribute to the challenges we face also give the area a rich resource for renewable energy generation. There is a high demand to connect from new wind, hydro and marine generators which rely on SHE Transmission to provide a physical link between the new sources of power and electricity users.
SHE Transmission is delivering a major programme of investment to ensure that the network is ready to meet the needs of our customers in the future.
As we are the only company that owns an electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland we are closely regulated by the energy regulator Ofgem. We are issued with a licence to operate and we must adhere to the terms of the licence. For this reason we are operated on a very separate basis to other SSE businesses.
Our licence stipulates that we must develop and maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity transmission.
Existing infrastructure
Completed
Under construction
Potential development
Advanced planning
Electricity Transmission is the transportation of electricity from generating plants to where it is required at centres of demand.
The Electricity Transmission network, or grid, transports electricity at very high voltages through overhead wires, underground cables and subsea cables. The transmission network connects large scale generation, primarily renewables, to central and southern Scotland and the rest of Great Britain.
The Electricity Distribution network is connected into the Transmission network but the voltage is lowered, by transformers at electricity substations, and the power is then distributed to homes and businesses through overhead lines or underground cables.
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc
Who we are Our Responsibilities
Overview of Transmission projects
What is the difference between Transmission and Distribution?
Other SSE Businesses
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc
(SHE Transmission)
Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution Plc
(SHEPD)
Overview of Transmission projects
Existing infrastructureCompleted Under construction Potential developmentAdvanced planning
Aberdeen
Peterhead
Kintore
Moray Firth
Blackhillock
Denny
Kincardine
Arran
HunterstonKintyre
Perth
Dounreay
Orkney
Spittal
Mybster
Tomatin
Gills Bay
Western Isles
Shetland
Beauly
Mossford
Skye Knocknagael
Lairg
Loch Buidhe(Bonar Bridge)
Overview of Transmission projects
Existing infrastructureCompleted Under construction Potential developmentAdvanced planning
Aberdeen
Peterhead
Kintore
Moray Firth
Blackhillock
Denny
Kincardine
Arran
HunterstonKintyre
Perth
Dounreay
Orkney
Spittal
Tomatin
Gills Bay
Western Isles
Shetland
Beauly
Mossford
Skye Knocknagael
Lairg
Loch Buidhe(Bonar Bridge)
Mybster
The Western Isles Connection is one of the strategic investment projects that SHE Transmission is proposing to develop. The link is required to transmit the energy generated by renewables on the Western Isles on to the Scottish mainland and beyond and is being considered as part of the regulatory (Ofgem) approval process.Several elements of the proposed link have been consented through the planning process with the remaining applications due for submittal in the first quarter of 2016. The development of the project is complicated by external factors. The adjacent diagram outlines some of the other parties involved in the process to help us deliver the project.
In parallel with the work being undertaken by the stakeholders listed below, we continue to progress with plans for the Western Isles Connection.
Due to changes in the profile of the generation background SHE Transmission has undertaken an extensive optioneering exercise and has now identified Arnish as the most co-ordinated, economic and efficient location for siting the Island’s HVDC Converter station.
For that reason, we are here today to consult on our updated proposals for the Western Isles Connection.
Government The UK and Scottish Governments continue to work together to consider what additional support is required for generators of renewables on the Scottish Islands.
Developers When government policy is changed, developers will need time to consider what this means for the financial viability of each of their projects.
Ofgem We are working with Ofgem to provide them with the information required to help them make a regulatory decision on the funding of the link.
National Grid We are working with National Grid (acting in their capacity as GB System Operator) to ensure all generators seeking connection to the grid are provided with access.
Supply Chain We continue to talk to the supply chain and keep them engaged in the process.
Western Isles Connection
The Western Isles Connection Delivery Wheel
National Grid/SP TransmissionSystem co-ordination
Local Government Grant consents
Developers Provide underwriting
Consumer Willing to pay
Supply Chain Meet delivery
timescales
Statutory Stakeholders (SNH, SEPA, etc) Grant consents
Ofgem Assess project and
agree to fund
National Government Policy drivers
Grant consents
SHE Transmission Delivers Infrastructure
Since 2003 the total generation seeking connection to the grid on the Western Isles has exceeded the export capacity of the existing 33kV Scottish mainland link; circa 20MW. Over the last 12 years the connected and contracted volume of generation has varied between 400MW – 663MW. The current connected and contracted volume is 412.6MW.
Western Isles Connection Project History
Project Background
Since 2003, SHE Transmission has investigated the technical and economic feasibility of a number of reinforcement options which included the consideration of:
• various route options between the Western Isles and the UK mainland;
• the suitability of different technologies (i.e. the use of HVDC versus AC technology) and construction methods (i.e. overhead line versus cable); and
• various capacity ratings (e.g. 300MW, 450MW, 600MW and 1000MW).
Any link to the Western Isles will require the laying of subsea cable and, subject to the eventual routeing of the link, the crossing of remote moorland on the Scottish mainland. Both of these fall within a region that can be subject to inclement weather conditions and contains environmentally sensitive areas.
In addition to the increased export capacity required, the local infrastructure on Lewis is also insufficient and will need to be reinforced in order to connect the renewable generation projects which are spread across the Island. SHE Transmission has considered several options to reinforce the network that include overhead line and subsea cable reinforcements.
Project Size & Technology
Druim Leathann 39MW Wind
Siadar Lewis Wave 40MW Wave
Stornoway Wind Farm 129.6MW Wind
Muaithebheal Wind Farm 150MW Wind
Small Distributed Generation 54MW Wind & Hydro
Total 412.6MW
Western Isles Connection Project History
Project Timeline
In April 2012 the total MW figure requiring connection to the grid was 663MW, split 344MW in the south and 319MW in the north at Stornoway. The 663MW included 217MW of applications and enquiries which at the time were not certain to proceed and which were all located in the north. As such, the focus was on securing a landing point in the south, close to the majority of the connected and contracted generation.
To transfer the power from Stornoway to Gravir (Grabhair) two new circuits were required; collectively known as the Lewis Infrastructure works.
During the intervening period changes to the generation background have reduced the total to 412.6MW; split 150MW in the south and 262.6MW in the north. In addition, there have been enquiries totalling circa 100MW from generation developers looking to locate in the north.
With the generation now focussed in the north this presented SHE Transmission with the opportunity to rationalise the Lewis Infrastructure works to a single circuit if a suitable landing point for the subsea cable could be secured in the north.
Arnish has been identified as a suitable site and, hence, is the subject of this consultation.
Change in project requirements since 2012 Implication of change
2015 2017 20192016 2018 2020
Invitation to Tender issued August 2015
Chancellor’s Autumn Statement November
2015Planning
Submission January 2016
Tender Return March 2016
Construction & Commissioning
Complete
Needs Case Submission
3 – 6 Months
To Be Confirmed:• Needs Case Approval• Project Assessment Submission• Project Assessment Approval• Contract Award
Construction & Commissioning
Complete Dec 2020
Requirement for CfD Certainty
2021 (tbc)
The Western Isles Connection proposal is for a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea and underground cable connection between the Western Isles and the Scottish mainland and will enable electricity generated from renewable projects on Lewis to be transferred to the Scottish mainland.The HVDC cable landing point on the Scottish mainland would remain at Dundonnell. We are proposing to reroute the previously proposed HVDC subsea cable and construct the HVDC Converter Station at Arnish Point, Stornoway in lieu of Grabhair (Gravir).
Western Isles Connection Project Update
Project Update
SHE Transmission is considering this option following an opportunity to review generation deployment on Lewis.
SHE Transmission will also require your views on necessary associated Overhead Line upgrade works to the local electrical infrastructure on Lewis to facilitate connection of the Muaithebheal Wind Farm and which forms the Lewis Infrastructure Project, which will be fully consulted on separately.
The following information boards set out the details associated with our latest proposals for your comment. They also provide information on the different options being considered, including our current preferences following detailed assessment.
Proposed Arnish converter station site
This map shows the initial locations in the Arnish and Stornoway area, selected as potential sites for the converter station and substation buildings. These sites were the subject of a preliminary, high level desk-based and site assessment. Four sites were then identified as potential options to take forward to more detailed studies.
Converter Station Site Options
Site Options
Proposed sites
Site Selection Process
Site Options – Advantages and Disadvantages
Many key considerations have influenced the selection of the preferred site: environmental, technical and economic. Of these (as indicated in the comparison table, right) site 2B at Arnish Point has emerged as the preferred site for the development of the converter and substation buildings. There are only limited sensitive features present at Arnish Point in the area surrounding the proposed site. These include a scheduled monument (dun within Loch Airinis) and a listed building (Arnish Monument).
The site also has the space to accommodate the new substation required for the Stornoway area.
We are now consulting with the wider community, landowners and key stakeholders on our preferred site with a view to preparing a formal planning application. The result of this consultation will inform the final development to be taken forward.
Aspect Site 1 Site 2A Site 2B Site 4 Comments
Environmental – construction(noise, land use, habitats, visual)
Site 2B is considered to have the least environmental impacts during construction given that the site is already prepared for development
Environmental – operation(land use, water environment, cultural heritage, visual)
Site 2B is considered to have fewest environmental impacts during operation, though setting effects on the Lews Castle GDL requires to be considered in some detail
Technical Safety during construction, meeting the programme, availability of equipment)
Site 1 would require realignment of the access road; Sites 2A and 4 would require earthworks and new accesses; Site 2B is already prepared for development
Operational(ease of maintenance, safety, spares)
No major differences between operational sites
Economic(capital cost and operational cost)
The capital cost of site 2B is lower than that of the other three sites
A high level comparison of the four sites has been undertaken. This has considered environmental, technical, operational and economic considerations. A summary of the results of this comparison is shown here. Those options considered less preferential are shown in amber and those considered to have more potential are shown in green.
On the basis of the analysis (right), site 2B has emerged as the preferred option for the proposed converter station.
HVDC Converter Site and HVDC Building
The subsea and underground cable at the heart of SHE Transmission’s proposals would use a technology called High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC). This is different to the existing island electricity network, which carries high voltage electricity as Alternating Current (AC). The HVDC Converter Station (a large substation-type installation) is required to convert AC electricity to HVDC, and vice versa, to connect the subsea cable to the Island’s electricity network.
HVDC is a well established technology which allows the efficient transmission of large quantities of electricity across long distances – with much reduced electrical losses compared with AC. It also introduces greater flexibility and resilience in the operation of the island network and the management of variable output from renewable generation.
The Converter Station would require a large area of generally level ground in the order of 250m x 150m. The majority of the equipment would be contained within a large metal clad building of approximate dimensions 150m long by 50m wide. The proposed rating of the transmission link would result in a maximum building height of around 17m.
We are seeking specific feedback on the proposed site of the Converter Station at Arnish Point to assist us with the planning process. Please provide any feedback you have on the proposed site and development through our feedback form.
Site Layout Plan
Existing Brownfield Site
Site Location Plan
PLOT 3.2
ROAD ACCESS TO SITE FROM A859
(Note: Road topo survey unavailable)
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SSE Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld RoadPerth, PH1 3AQ, UK www.sse.com
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Date Plotted: 21.08.2015
C.A.D. Reference: J:\Transmission\01 Regulated Projects\LT000014\Project Files\07 - Visualisation\07.01 Drawings\SSE Working Drawings (DRAFT)\Arnish\LT14_ARNI_1104_0001_00_02_132kV Arnish Site Layout..dwg
Document Reference:
List of all relevant drawings or documents thatdirectly relate to the current revision of the drawing
Rev: Date: By: Description:
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LT14_ARNI_1104_0001
INDICATIVE 132kV ARNISH SITE LAYOUTWESTERN ISLES CONNECTION
ARNISHLT000014
WESTERN ISLES CONNECTION
SITE LOCATION PLANScale 1:20,000
OS MAP Ref: NB43SW
SITE LAYOUT PLANScale 1:1000
LEGEND
HIE (Highlands & Islands Enterprise)PLOT BOUNDARY
PLEASE REFER TO HIE SITE PLAN DRAWING0513-ARNISH-SITE BOUNDARY -01 FOR SITE PLOTLAYOUTS. PLEASE NOTE PROPOSED SITEBOUNDARY YET TO BE DEFINED AND MAY TAKE INAREAS OUTWIT HIE PLOT BOUNDARY
PROPOSED SITE BOUNDARYSITE AREA APPROX. 65,955 SQM
CENTRE COORDINATE : 142567E,930412N
132kV OHL'S REMOVED.01 23.07.15 PMR BOUNDARY TYPE SWAPPED
00 01.07.15 PF FIRST ISSUE.
02 21.08.15 PMR OS MAP BOUNDARY REV'D.
PLOT 3.2
ROAD ACCESS TO SITE FROM A859
(Note: Road topo survey unavailable)
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Revisions:
SSE Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld RoadPerth, PH1 3AQ, UK www.sse.com
Drawing Status:
Scale:
Date:
Drawing Number: Sheet No: Revision No:Approved:
Checked:
Drawn:
Title:
Project Number: Location:
Project:
Date Plotted: 21.08.2015
C.A.D. Reference: J:\Transmission\01 Regulated Projects\LT000014\Project Files\07 - Visualisation\07.01 Drawings\SSE Working Drawings (DRAFT)\Arnish\LT14_ARNI_1104_0001_00_02_132kV Arnish Site Layout..dwg
Document Reference:
List of all relevant drawings or documents thatdirectly relate to the current revision of the drawing
Rev: Date: By: Description:
02
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For Information
LT14_ARNI_1104_0001
INDICATIVE 132kV ARNISH SITE LAYOUTWESTERN ISLES CONNECTION
ARNISHLT000014
WESTERN ISLES CONNECTION
SITE LOCATION PLANScale 1:20,000
OS MAP Ref: NB43SW
SITE LAYOUT PLANScale 1:1000
LEGEND
HIE (Highlands & Islands Enterprise)PLOT BOUNDARY
PLEASE REFER TO HIE SITE PLAN DRAWING0513-ARNISH-SITE BOUNDARY -01 FOR SITE PLOTLAYOUTS. PLEASE NOTE PROPOSED SITEBOUNDARY YET TO BE DEFINED AND MAY TAKE INAREAS OUTWIT HIE PLOT BOUNDARY
PROPOSED SITE BOUNDARYSITE AREA APPROX. 65,955 SQM
CENTRE COORDINATE : 142567E,930412N
132kV OHL'S REMOVED.01 23.07.15 PMR BOUNDARY TYPE SWAPPED
00 01.07.15 PF FIRST ISSUE.
02 21.08.15 PMR OS MAP BOUNDARY REV'D.
PLOT 3.2
ROAD ACCESS TO SITE FROM A859
(Note: Road topo survey unavailable)
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Revisions:
SSE Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld RoadPerth, PH1 3AQ, UK www.sse.com
Drawing Status:
Scale:
Date:
Drawing Number: Sheet No: Revision No:Approved:
Checked:
Drawn:
Title:
Project Number: Location:
Project:
Date Plotted: 21.08.2015
C.A.D. Reference: J:\Transmission\01 Regulated Projects\LT000014\Project Files\07 - Visualisation\07.01 Drawings\SSE Working Drawings (DRAFT)\Arnish\LT14_ARNI_1104_0001_00_02_132kV Arnish Site Layout..dwg
Document Reference:
List of all relevant drawings or documents thatdirectly relate to the current revision of the drawing
Rev: Date: By: Description:
02
DWA
AM
PMR
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21.08.2015
AS SHOWN @ A2
For Information
LT14_ARNI_1104_0001
INDICATIVE 132kV ARNISH SITE LAYOUTWESTERN ISLES CONNECTION
ARNISHLT000014
WESTERN ISLES CONNECTION
SITE LOCATION PLANScale 1:20,000
OS MAP Ref: NB43SW
SITE LAYOUT PLANScale 1:1000
LEGEND
HIE (Highlands & Islands Enterprise)PLOT BOUNDARY
PLEASE REFER TO HIE SITE PLAN DRAWING0513-ARNISH-SITE BOUNDARY -01 FOR SITE PLOTLAYOUTS. PLEASE NOTE PROPOSED SITEBOUNDARY YET TO BE DEFINED AND MAY TAKE INAREAS OUTWIT HIE PLOT BOUNDARY
PROPOSED SITE BOUNDARYSITE AREA APPROX. 65,955 SQM
CENTRE COORDINATE : 142567E,930412N
132kV OHL'S REMOVED.01 23.07.15 PMR BOUNDARY TYPE SWAPPED
00 01.07.15 PF FIRST ISSUE.
02 21.08.15 PMR OS MAP BOUNDARY REV'D.
PLOT 3.2
ROAD ACCESS TO SITE FROM A859
(Note: Road topo survey unavailable)
SHAR
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S RO
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AC FILTERS
5000
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35000
HVDC CONVERTOR BUILDING
TRANSFORMER
COOLERS
5000
0
110000
40000
1600
0
20000 2000
0
Revisions:
SSE Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld RoadPerth, PH1 3AQ, UK www.sse.com
Drawing Status:
Scale:
Date:
Drawing Number: Sheet No: Revision No:Approved:
Checked:
Drawn:
Title:
Project Number: Location:
Project:
Date Plotted: 21.08.2015
C.A.D. Reference: J:\Transmission\01 Regulated Projects\LT000014\Project Files\07 - Visualisation\07.01 Drawings\SSE Working Drawings (DRAFT)\Arnish\LT14_ARNI_1104_0001_00_02_132kV Arnish Site Layout..dwg
Document Reference:
List of all relevant drawings or documents thatdirectly relate to the current revision of the drawing
Rev: Date: By: Description:
02
DWA
AM
PMR
00
21.08.2015
AS SHOWN @ A2
For Information
LT14_ARNI_1104_0001
INDICATIVE 132kV ARNISH SITE LAYOUTWESTERN ISLES CONNECTION
ARNISHLT000014
WESTERN ISLES CONNECTION
SITE LOCATION PLANScale 1:20,000
OS MAP Ref: NB43SW
SITE LAYOUT PLANScale 1:1000
LEGEND
HIE (Highlands & Islands Enterprise)PLOT BOUNDARY
PLEASE REFER TO HIE SITE PLAN DRAWING0513-ARNISH-SITE BOUNDARY -01 FOR SITE PLOTLAYOUTS. PLEASE NOTE PROPOSED SITEBOUNDARY YET TO BE DEFINED AND MAY TAKE INAREAS OUTWIT HIE PLOT BOUNDARY
PROPOSED SITE BOUNDARYSITE AREA APPROX. 65,955 SQM
CENTRE COORDINATE : 142567E,930412N
132kV OHL'S REMOVED.01 23.07.15 PMR BOUNDARY TYPE SWAPPED
00 01.07.15 PF FIRST ISSUE.
02 21.08.15 PMR OS MAP BOUNDARY REV'D.
HIE (Highlands & Islands Enterprise) Plot Boundary
Proposed Site Boundary (area approx 65,955 sq. m)
Subsea Cable
As a new HVDC converter station location has been proposed, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission will be required to investigate a new route for the subsea cable. Early investigations and desk top surveys have identified a broad route corridor which will be developed into a Geotechnical, Geophysical & Environmental survey plan. The plan will be further refined then shared with Statutory Consultees including Marine Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.The marine survey will examine a broad corridor along the proposed cable route, in places over 800m wide. A specialist survey vessel will use several techniques to collect detailed information about the sea bed topography and the Flora and Fauna that inhabit the sea bed. These techniques include:
1. Multi Beam Echo Sounder to gather information on the water depth and the “texture” of the sea bed
2. Side Scan Sonar to look at objects such as boulders and wrecks
3. Sub Bottom profiling which allows us to “see” how deep the sea bed sediments are and how deeply the bed rock is buried
4. Magnetometers are used to look for magnetic anomalies such as abandoned cables and unexploded ordnance
5. Drop down video and still photographs are taken to help identify what species live on the sea bed
6. Cores are taken of the sea bed to allow us to look at the types of sediment that make up the sea bed
On completion of the marine survey, we will start a detailed Environmental study and will consult with Stakeholders ranging from the Local Fishing Fleet to landowners and Marine Scotland. Information and feedback from the consultation will help us to confirm the final subsea cable route.
Lewis Infrastructure
In association with the Western Isles Connection Project there is requirement to upgrade the existing electrical infrastructure on the Western Isles. The existing overhead trident (wood pole) line which currently connects to Harris, would require to be uprated and potentially undergrounded in some sections. Minor infrastructure works will be required in the vicinity of the Eishken road junction of the A859 to allow connection to the Muaithebheal Wind Farm.
Upgrades to network on Lewis
Upgrades near Stornoway
Works in the vicinity of the proposed Arnish Converter and Substation will potentially include construction of three new 132kV connections to connect Druim Leathann, Siadar and Stornoway Wind Farms and the relocation of electrical equipment from the existing Stornoway substation, located adjacent to the A859. Existing circuits and local supplies connecting at the existing Stornoway Substation would be rerouted to the new converter station with the existing Stornoway substation being considered for decommissioning and demolition.
What happens next and how do I have my say?
We are keen to receive feedback from the local community and other interested parties on our proposals. Please also take the time at the event to speak to members of our project team, who are here to answer any questions you may have and explain the information presented on the boards.
Comments can be submitted as follows:
At the exhibition today Complete a Comments Form and place it in the box provided.
By post Complete a Comments Form and post it to our Liaison Manager (details below).
By email Complete a Comments Form and email it to our Liaison Manager (details below).
Comments forms and all the information from today’s event will also be available to download from the project website at: www.sse.com/WesternIsles
Information can also be posted out to you by our Liaison Manager upon request.
Please make your comments as specific as possible in order to help us consider them in relation to our proposals.
The closing date for comments for this exhibition is Friday 20 November 2015.
Contact details for the Project Liaison Manager are as follows:
Neil Anderson SHE Transmission Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 3AQ Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07500 912 506
Feedback
SHE Transmission will prepare and submit its Needs Case submission to Ofgem. The Needs Case document sets out the requirement, and business case for the Western Isles Connection.
Ofgem uses price controls to limit what the transmission and distribution companies charge. They also set targets for reliability, customer service and environmental performance. Alongside this, they encourage companies to innovate to cut costs for consumers and help the network meet Britain’s future energy needs. Together, these parts work to make sure the companies operate efficiently and offer value for money.
Although they limit prices, they have to let the companies charge enough to cover their costs and get a reasonable return on the money they invest.
We will be progressing the development of our preferred site for the Converter Station at Arnish Point with a view to submitting a planning application in January 2016. Your comments on the site and the proposal would assist us in further developing this element of the proposal.
