The Welsh Affairs Select Committee has welcomed an acknowledgement from the UK Government that a ‘step change’ is needed to relieve pressure on the Welsh electricity network – but said it was disappointed over the action to be taken.
The UK government has tasked the Electricity Networks Commissioner with determining the grid infrastructure necessary for industry, communities and businesses in Wales to decarbonise on the path to net zero. However, the committee said “to demonstrate the urgency required, the Committee is disappointed that the UK Government has not responded to the specific recommendation of setting deadlines to drive strategic planning to secure a grid fit for the future and expected demand”.

Welsh Affairs Committee Chair, Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP, said: “The UK Government’s acknowledgement of the constraints of the current electricity grid, and its pledge to work to further accelerate grid capacity, is welcome. If this is not addressed, and as highlighted in our report, failure to get the grid up to standard for net zero poses a threat to economic growth for communities across Wales.

“It is promising news that the UK Government has a plan in place to address the ‘chicken and egg’ dilemma where developers wait for others to foot the costs of connection before they commit to building energy infrastructure.

“Our Committee also welcomes the recognition that the current system in which rural communities are seeing increased bills as a result of having to share grid reinforcement costs is not equitable, and we are encouraged to hear that the UK Government will be introducing measures to ensure rural communities are no longer unduly burdened.

“While this is a largely positive response to our Committee’s work, we are disappointed that an assessment of current grid capacity in Wales does not seem to be forthcoming. It will be difficult to realise the exciting opportunities for renewable projects in Wales if they are unable to be plugged into a fully-functioning grid.”