Eric, I think we are violently in agreement - just discussing different aspects of the topic 
There's two subthreads here - one about harmonisation of voltage limits, one about embedded generation.
Harmonisation isn't changing anything - it was a paper exercise to bring the UK and EU into the same definition but without actually changing anything in the real world. The DNOs aren't going to embrace 220V as the norm because it would increase their I^2R losses (by around 15 to 20%) for no gain.
Where embedded generation is involved, then yes, they will change the taps locally and as little as they can get away with to keep supplies within limits. And I'll bet this will be done on a "when customers complain their inverters trip out" basis*. The downside to doing this is that when the embedded generation isn't producing full output, customers will see lower voltages and potentially problems with some devices - as you've observed.
* Went to a public talk recently given by a chap I've heard talk before on the same subject - smart metering. I did comment that in the 10 years since his previous talk, he had become "rather less positive" about them.
He did say that one of the elements of the business case was that DNOs could use them for widespread voltage monitoring at consumer premises. But, like several other features used in the business case, the meter spec wasn't accurate enough (people writing the spec didn't consult those who'd use the feature) and so they are useless to the DNOs for that purpose Just one, of many, "cost savings" in the business case that just won't happen.
BTW - I disagree that all ballasts are electronic these days. IME there are still plenty of magnetic ballast/switch start flouro fittings on sale and being installed. I wouldn't pay extra for electronic ballasts for places like lofts etc that are rarely used - for those I really don't care if it takes a few seconds longer and a few "plinks" for them to come on.
There's two subthreads here - one about harmonisation of voltage limits, one about embedded generation.
Harmonisation isn't changing anything - it was a paper exercise to bring the UK and EU into the same definition but without actually changing anything in the real world. The DNOs aren't going to embrace 220V as the norm because it would increase their I^2R losses (by around 15 to 20%
) for no gain.Where embedded generation is involved, then yes, they will change the taps locally and as little as they can get away with to keep supplies within limits. And I'll bet this will be done on a "when customers complain their inverters trip out" basis*. The downside to doing this is that when the embedded generation isn't producing full output, customers will see lower voltages and potentially problems with some devices - as you've observed.
* Went to a public talk recently given by a chap I've heard talk before on the same subject - smart metering. I did comment that in the 10 years since his previous talk, he had become "rather less positive" about them.
He did say that one of the elements of the business case was that DNOs could use them for widespread voltage monitoring at consumer premises. But, like several other features used in the business case, the meter spec wasn't accurate enough (people writing the spec didn't consult those who'd use the feature) and so they are useless to the DNOs for that purpose
Just one, of many, "cost savings" in the business case that just won't happen.BTW - I disagree that all ballasts are electronic these days. IME there are still plenty of magnetic ballast/switch start flouro fittings on sale and being installed. I wouldn't pay extra for electronic ballasts for places like lofts etc that are rarely used - for those I really don't care if it takes a few seconds longer and a few "plinks" for them to come on.
