WatchHill Consultancy Services
Regulation and Policy Support
Industry Codes and Governance
Regulatory Support:
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Leveraging 20 years of in-depth knowledge of energy regulations and grid connection codes, including Electricity Code, Grid Code, Connection and Use of System Code, Balancing and Settlements Codes, SOTO code, Emergency Fuels Codes, and Security and Quality of Supply requirements.
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Stay informed of evolving regulations and proactively advise you on potential impacts.
Compliance Risk Management:
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Conduct comprehensive compliance reviews and develop effective risk mitigation strategies to avoid penalties.
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Facilitate efficient communication with regulatory authorities and network operators.
Industry Insights:
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Provide in-depth industry analysis and interpret the latest regulatory changes in the context of your specific needs.
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Help you anticipate trends and make informed decisions that align with regulatory requirements.
Market Reform & Government Policy
Market Impact Analysis:
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Analyse the potential impact of government policies and market reforms on your business.
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Identify both opportunities and challenges arising from regulatory changes.
Risk Mitigation Strategies:
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Employ scenario planning to assess potential outcomes under different policy and market conditions.
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Design and implement strategies to minimise risk and maximise resilience in the face of uncertainty.
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Proactively adapt your business model to align with evolving market dynamics.
Policy Leverage & Advocacy Support:
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Assist in engaging with industry forums and regulator consultations, ensuring your voice is heard.
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Stay ahead of the curve by providing you with real-time updates on policy developments and their potential implications.
Grid Connection Management
Grid Connection Strategy & Advocacy:
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Secure the most advantageous grid connection points for your project, considering technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and long-term benefits.
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Facilitate smooth communication with grid operators and regulatory authorities, streamlining the connection process and navigating the queue management process.
Alternative Energy Solutions:
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Assess the viability of private wire and other alternative energy solutions for power offtake, potentially offering increased flexibility and cost savings.
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Analyse the feasibility and potential benefits of combining on-site generation with energy storage solutions for improved grid integration.
Grid Liability & Security Management:
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Provide comprehensive guidance on managing your grid liabilities and securities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and minimising financial risks.
Project Operational Cost & System Impact Forecasting:
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Utilise accurate forecasting tools to estimate your energy project's operational network costs, including grid connection fees, use of system charges, and electrical losses.
Long Term Regulatory Implications of BESS
A review of the future regulatory challenges and risks for Battery Energy Storage Systems. To date these have been treated as a mixture of generation and demand assets however their role is more akin to that of a regulated Interconnector asset.
Where the latter couples markets geographically the former provides market coupling over time. As BESS scales up the question has to be asked if Generator licence holders will need to divest these assets to avoid market manipulation risks, especially under zonal pricing systems.
Regulatory and Policy Example Projects
Holistic Network Design
Industry representation and input to the ESO design assumptions and introduction of centrally planned holistic energy network designs. Currently active in HNDFUE, TNUoS modelling, and electricity market reform process.
A deep dive review of Use of System CUSC calculations to investigate the impact and causes of increased expansion factors driving greater UoS tariffs.