Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 18TH - 24TH MAY 2018 | 23 Operations & Assets Speakers' views: Jonathan Brearley, executive director for system and networks, Ofgem "I am more worried about a sector that's still ends up using the same solutions and finding out we've charged customers far too much money for a service which should be a lot cheaper, than I am about a company trying too much and failing." Stewart Reid, head of innovation and asset management, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks "There's a tipping point with investment in flexibility where you start to pay a price in terms of the resilience of the system." Phil Taylor, director, National Centre for Energy Systems Integration "I do think we sometimes fool ourselves, myself included, that we're doing wonderfully well because we've got to about 30 per cent on electricity. But we've got to look at this and realise that there's a massive set of challenges left." Illiana Portugues, head of innovation, National Grid Electricity Transmission "We do not control the technology. We are always innovating to fit the technological developments of others." Tom Glover, director of policy, Energy Networks Association "I don't actually think the energy transition sation of heat, where a large question mark remains. The government intends to make a decision on the long-term future of the sector in the mid-2020s once it has gathered more evidence on the options – electrification, hydrogen networks or a mix of the two. "What we're not seeing across govern- ment, I'm afraid to say, is clarity on heat policy," said Energy Networks Association director of policy Tom Glover. "I know there is work happening on this, but I fear that we are not going to get the clarity we need, particularly within the context of RIIO2." Wales and West Utilities has been help- ing the government towards a decision by trialling the use of hybrid heating systems through its Freedom project in South Wales. Director of asset management Chris Clarke said hybrid heating – combining heat pumps with a conventional gas boiler – could offer the best of both worlds. The heat pump can do most of the work, utilising surplus renewable generation and spare grid capa city, to maintain a flat temperature for most of the day. When demand spikes and the grid becomes congested, the gas boiler can step in to provide a short burst of heat. Those taking part in trials have seen their gas use fall by 50 to 70 per cent, said Clarke. Whatever route the government takes, the impact on the lives of consumers will likely be more noticeable than has been the case with the power sector so far. has been part of the debate for the general public. All they see are headlines about bills going up… They don't have the details." Brought to you in association with

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