Combining two supplys, mpans and fits

[Rhsmyth]

I thought this may have been easy but it doesn't seem to be the case.

I have three separate electricity supplies coming into my farm. One three phase and two single phase. I have a cf20 20kw turbine connected to the three phase and a 3.28kwp solar system connected to the domestic single phase.

I know want to combine all three together and use the one three phase supply and route all the renewable energy through this one supply. Both systems are finally registered with Edf and they have started to pay me on the generation.

I called edf today to ask how I can change the mpan on the solar pv fit agreement and they informed me that this would be considered the same as decommissioning the system. I would therefore be joining again at the much lower tariffs, rather than the 43p of so I originally entered into.

Any thoughts on how I could do this? I intend to install an export meter on the three phase as the turbine produces much more than I ever will need, but don't really want to install two.

Your thoughts would be welcome.

Regards rob

 

[SolarCity]

I wouldn't bother speaking to the supplier - I would speak to OFGEM directly and ask for their guidance. What you are considering doing makes perfect sense to me and is clearly not the same as decomissioning a system. Hopefully OFGEM will offer some common sense to the situation and you can then take this advice to the supplier (who are notoriously badly informed)

 

[docka]

I have spoken to Ofgem last year on a similar issue and was also told that the MPAN of the existing PV system could not be changed at a future date whilst retaining the original tariff under which the system was commissioned. Don't see any practical reason why this should be the case but that's what they said...

 

[Gavin A]

worth writing to ofgem (and/or decc), but purely on the basis that the more people who do, the more likely that they might eventually decide to change this situation. I think EDF have it right based on the current position.

 

[TedM]

OFGEM have complete freedom to interpret the definition of 'site' (which is relevant in relation to MPANs) just as they see fit. This is written in to the Standard Conditions. OFGEM have far too much 'flexibility' to come up with such nonsense as this and similar things.

 

[Rhsmyth]

Thanks for the suggestions. I emailed ofgem and their response is as follows.

Thank you for clarifying this. Unfortunately Ofgem cannot help you with this matter and it is something you will need to resolve directly with EDF.

Ofgem is responsible for accrediting installations with a declared net capacity over 50kW, all hydro and all AD installations. The FIT Licensees are responsible for accrediting micro PV installations and managing FIT payments for all sizes of installations that are accredited under the scheme.


As this is with regard to MPAN connection you may also wish to contact the relevant Distribution Network Operator to determine whether they can provide any advice.

not much help I agree, but I will seek further guidance.

In theory I see no reason why edf/ofgem can't consent to change the mpan reference on the contract as I am not upgrading any of the equipment etc, therefore there is nothing I will gain by changing the ref.

Does anyone have an opinion of what the issues may be if i just connect the two supplies together?

I'll give it some thought.

 

[vjsmarwick]

My guess is if they can cut the cost they are paying you by any means then its their benefit and this is their way to do just that its nothing to do with common sense tell them if they are not willing to do it for you you will move to another supplier that will change it for you and keep your tariff it would only be a small white lie but my guess is that its one that would work because Edf are making money from you and they hate to loose even a single penny.

 

[SolarCity]

The reply from Ofgem is a bit confusing. What did you send them?

 

[BruceB]

OFGEM have complete freedom to interpret the definition of 'site' (which is relevant in relation to MPANs) just as they see fit. This is written in to the Standard Conditions. OFGEM have far too much 'flexibility' to come up with such nonsense as this and similar things.

I agree. When I changed my house supply from single phase to 3-phase I got a new MPAN. As I read the legislation, had I already had solar pv at that stage it would have been ridiculous to have said the old system was gone and I now had a new one. To my mind, it was the same 'site', same 'plant', same 'eligible low-carbon energy source', same eligible installation etc, etc.

Although there is a risk I am getting more cynical as I get older, this appears to be the energy companies making decisions that suit them financially and OFGEM failing to protect the consumer. It will not get sorted until an energy company does it to a customer with deep enough pockets to go the distance legally.

 

[ktech]

I have a 4kW system installed on a single phase. I am having three phase installed to be able to add another 2 systems. I expect I will get a new MPAN number allocated with the new supply. When I spoke to good energy they said this would not effect the existing installation and FiT I would just need to supply the new MPAN and adjust the MCS cert accordingly.

 

[BruceB]

That seems a sensible response by Good Energy