Written question asked by Peter Law (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 17 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 March 2006. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 March 2006 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Microgeneration

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the systems compatibility of large base-load power generation plants with small-scale micro-generation power systems.

Answer: Issues relating to the compatibility of large generating plant and micro-generation are primarily a matter for the UK System Operator, National Grid. However, in 2004, the DTI in conjunction with Ofgem and National Grid established the Electricity Systems Technical Issues Steering Group to investigate the performance of the electricity networks given likely longer term changes in the UK generation portfolio and to ensure that any technical issues that might arise were recognised in good time. The group published an interim report, which can be found at www.dti.gov.uk/renewables/publications_pdfs/estiginterimreportfinal.pdf and is currently working with National Grid to undertake more detailed studies that should be completed late summer 2006.

Secondary information