Regulatory regime for parallel operation of generators in public electricity distribution and supply networks

UK electricity generators are now independent and are established in significant numbers. These supply energy into public electricity supply networks away from National Grid Company (NGC) grid supply points and are referred to as embedded. They are mostly not centrally dispatched and impact as negative or positive load increments. Their combined capacity is becoming significant in terms of average national demand. Embedded generators have a wide range of ratings and their connection voltage generally reflects the capability of the network to absorb their output safely and efficiently. While there may be benefits in terms of energy saving in fossil fuels, the end result must be an increase in the complexity of the host distribution network and the generator being much closer to the end user. Here, the author describes how the main factors to be considered are safety in the networks and on customer premises, network efficiency and economy, generator stability and maintaining the quality of supplies within statutory voltage limits