Across the UK, electricity is transported using two types of network – transmission and distribution. Transmission is the large and long distance movement of electricity at high voltages, such as 132kV, 275kV and 400kV.

Transporting power at such high voltages is more efficient than at lower voltages, as it means less power is lost along the way.  The transmission system carries power from generators to local distribution companies, in addition to a small number of large industrial customers.

The entire UK transmission network is owned and maintained by four companies. The entire system is then operated by National Grid, who are responsible for balancing supply and demand, determining use of system charging methodology and contractual terms for connection and use of the transmission system.

The transmission system is termed a ‘natural monopoly’ as competition cannot realistically exist. Hence the requirement for regulation and division between ownership and operation. As the regulator, Ofgem subjects the System Operator (NGET) and each Transmission Owner to regular price controls, whereby Ofgem approves a specific revenue for each company. This traditionally has incentivised monopolists to improve efficiency and to keep transmission costs for electricity customers low.

The distribution system is operated by two local distribution networks across Scotland, and 12 others across England and Wales. The Distribution network provides electricity to the vast majority of domestic and business customers via lower voltage localised networks, such as 11kV and 33kV.

The renewables industry in Scotland has grown significantly in recent years and continues to make a vital contribution to the delivery of climate change targets. However, for Scotland's renewable industry to continue on this development path, it is essential to remove several barriers facing the integration of renewable generation into the electricity network. This represents a considerable challenge, and is of critical importance to our members. Scottish Renewables liaise closely with our members to ensure that their viewpoint is clearly represented, especially in providing responses to consultations published by National Grid, Ofgem and the Department of Energy and Climate Change.