Decision details

The final report of Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee’s grid capacity task and finish group, which was established to review the strategically significant issue of Dorset’s constrained grid capacity. The report will summarise its findings and recommendations for the future.

That the recommendations of the Grid Capacity Task & Finish Group, set out within section 4 of the cover report to the Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee of 26 February 2024, on the council’s future approach to the strategic risks and opportunities regarding the electricity network, be approved, subject to the following:

(a)           That, in respect of recommendation 6, MPs be invited to a meeting to enable councillors and officers to directly brief them on the issues and difficulties faced with the grid infrastructure and the issues raised during the review.

(b)           That an additional recommendation (7) be included – That the Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee monitor grid provision in Dorset and associated issues including emerging policy and regulatory reform, on an annual basis.

(c)           That a councillor webinar be provided post May 2024 regarding grid capacity, including technologies and the future impact on planning and energy provision.

(d)           That a councillor site visit be arranged post May 2024 to Canford Renewable Energy.

Reason for the decision

To ensure that the council was best placed to mitigate the risks and exploit the opportunities associated with the future of the electricity grid.