#42 Repurposing Transmission Connections

In this podcast, “Repurposing Transmission Connections”, our Connectologists® Kyle Murchie, Philip Bale, and Catherine Cleary, discuss the rapid changes happening in the transmission industry. The conversation focuses on providing an update for those with ongoing or upcoming projects, especially in light of the new TMO4+ process.
Over the years, transmission connections have shifted from large generators and huge manufacturing or industrial sites to more diverse connections, including renewable energy projects, batteries, hydrogen, and data centres. We’ve been seeing projects exploring is they can make changes to their transmission connections and our Connectologists® wanted to discuss this further for our listeners.
Kyle Murchie, who has worked alongside working groups and industry professionals throughout the recent Connections Reform consultation, shares how the industry is moving towards formalizing a policy at the transmission level, including new terminology which is based off what constitutes as a significant or minor change, and how the annexes acquired from the CMP434 consultation will still require redrafting.
Key topics within this episode included: battery connection changes, queue positions, non-embedded final demand sites, cross-border differences among TOs, Mod Apps and the difference between allowable and material changes. The Connectologists® explore these key topics further by examining the potential unintended consequences, such as the unprecedented rise in connection applications, which has led to a significant increase in connection offers.
During the episode Philip Bale emphasised the need for a retrospective review of the process to ensure clarity at every stage to help minimise these unintended consequences and provide reassurance for everyone across the industry. Although the ESO has provided some initial guidance, though it’s a starting point - the finalised future policy remains uncertain.
Make sure to stay tuned and up to date with our Connectology® podcasts, as there will be further updates in the next few months!