UK to Integrate Separate Power Grids in April

March 10, 2005  Xinhua

Britain will integrate its two main power supply grids in April to create a single power market and reduce bills for energy consumers in Scotland, the British government said Tuesday.

British Minister of State for Energy Mike O'Brien said Scotland 's transmission networks now operating separately will be connected to the England and Wales grid from April 1.

"A new Great Britain electricity market, bringing together Scotland's transmission networks and the grid in England and Wales will push prices down for Scottish consumers and open up lucrative new markets for Scottish generators," the minister said.

O'Brien also outlined plans to limit charges paid by Scottish renewable power projects to National Grid Transco, which operates the England and Wales grid and will operate the single British grid.

He said the move would help unlock Scotland's vast potential as a producer of electricity from wind, wave and tidal power projects.