Ofgem gives go-ahead to major transmission projects

Ofgem has given the green light for early construction to start on a series of major electricity transmission projects.

The projects in Scotland are being progressed under the regulator’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) programme which was set up to help meet the Government’s clean power targets.

The new transmission capacity these projects will deliver will also generate consumer savings by reducing the amount of constraint costs currently added to bills.

The latest decisions means Ofgem has now granted early funding to all 26 projects in the ASTI programme.

It will enable transmission operators to finance early procurement of highly sought after materials such as substation components and HVDC cables, as well as strategic land purchases and associated enabling works including design work, surveys and early construction activities.

Beatrice Filkin, Ofgem’s Director of Major Projects said: “Early funding helps transmission operators secure scarce components, avoid supply-chain delays, and deliver the grid upgrades needed to power homes and businesses with more clean, homegrown energy.”