Ofgem Starts Western Link Probe

January 28, 2020, by Nadja Skopljak

Ofgem has launched an investigation into National Grid and Scottish Power Transmission for the delivery and ongoing operation of the Western Link high-voltage direct current subsea cable.

A joint venture of National Grid and Scottish Power Transmission undertook the GBP 1.3 billion HVDC project that transports electricity between Scotland, Wales and England.

The investigation will review the performance of the two companies in delivering the cable.

According to Ofgem, it will consider whether the late delivery means they breached special license condition 6I, which specifies the expected delivery date of the subsea cable.

Additionally, the investigation will consider compliance with standard license condition D (provision of transmission services) and section 9(2) of the Electricity Act 1989 (provision of economical, efficient and co-ordinated services).

The investigation will also examine potential breaches relating to the operation of the cable, Ofgem said, emphasizing that the opening of the investigation does not imply that any findings about non-compliance have been made.