Selling solar back to the grid

Summary

The requester asked if Manx Utilities Authority had conducted a study justifying its failure to buy back solar energy from domestic users under the Electricity Act. The Authority responded that it does not hold such a study, citing network constraints as the reason for limited solar export.

Key Facts

• Manx Utilities Authority does not hold the requested study regarding solar buy-back obligations.
• The Electricity Act 1996 requires the Authority to develop an efficient and economical electricity supply system.
• Renewable generation connections can exceed statutory network limits regarding voltage and current carrying capacity.
• The Authority may offer constrained connections with reduced or zero export levels to prevent network issues.
• Information on Private Generation Tariffs is available in the annual tariff review document.

Data Disclosed

• 2024-10-10
• 2024-10-28
• 4188273
• Electricity Act 1996
• Electricity Supply Regulations 1991
• Part 1, Section 2
• page 11

Exemptions Cited

• Information not held

Original Request

The MUA under the Electricity Act has an obligation to purchase electricity for its customers at the cheapest rate possible. Has there been a study into how it is not in breach of this statutory obligation by failing to buy solar units back from domestic users then reselling as part of the main supply? If so, can this study be shared for scrutiny please.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Manx Utilities PO Box 177, Douglas Isle of Man, IM99 1PS

e: enquiries@manxutilities.im t: 01624 687687 www.manxutilities.im

Our ref: 4188273 28 October 2024

Dear ###

We write further to your request received 10 October 2024, which states:

"The MUA under the Electricity Act has an obligation to purchase electricity for its customers at the cheapest rate possible. Has there been a study into how it is not in breach of this statutory obligation by failing to buy solar units back from domestic users then reselling as part of the main supply? If so, can this study be shared for scrutiny please."

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance Manx Utilities does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested.

However, to assist you we can offer the following information:

Under Part 1, Section 2 ‘Functions of the Authority in relation to the supply of electricity’ of the Electricity Act 1996 it states:

(1) It is the duty of the Authority to develop and maintain an efficient and economical system of electricity supply for the Island.

(2) The Authority shall, subject to the following provisions of this section and in accordance with any directions given to it under subsection (8) or any enactment mention in subsection (10), -

(a) promote, so far as practicable, the use of all economical methods of generating, transmitting and distributing electricity; (7) In exercising its functions the Authority shall have regard to the need –

(c) to use, as far as practicable, renewable sources of energy.

Within the requirements of the Electricity Act 1996 and Electricity Supply Regulations 1991, Manx Utilities has an obligation to ensure all networks perform within statutory limits. In some circumstances the connection of renewable generation can lead to these limits being exceeded, most noticeably in terms of voltage and current carrying capacity. These issues can occur due to network configuration or by an excess of

generation already connected in the local area. This may lead to Manx Utilities offering a constrained connection to customers when they make a connection request (as required under regulation) which may be for a reduced or zero export level.

Further information about solar power frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found on our website: https://www.manxutilities.im/energy-transition/solar/solar-faqs/

Manx Utilities also publish an annual tariff review which may be of interest https://manxutilities.im/media/2807/pricing-review.pdf (see page 11 for information about Private Generation Tariffs – Sustainable Generation Tariffs).

Please quote the reference number 4188273 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.