Low carbon technologies and the grid: Analysing regulation and transitions in electricity networks

Abstract

This paper analyses how uncertainties around the uptake of heat pumps and electric vehicles (low carbon technologies) are being managed within the regulatory regime for electricity distribution networks in Britain. Within the sustainability transitions field several studies have identified electricity networks and regulation as an important topic and have focused on the introduction of innovation incentives for monopoly network companies. The main contribution made to this research agenda is to broaden the frame of analysis from innovation policy to examine the challenges associated with whole system reconfiguration and the transformation of incumbent regulatory regimes. The empirical basis of the paper is an analysis of regulatory decision making in relation to the approval of large capital investments in regional electricity distribution networks. We analyse attempts to reconfigure the networks and the incumbent regulatory regime, focusing on efforts to align network planning and regulation with net zero.