Low carbon technologies and the grid: Analysing regulation and transitions in electricity networks

This paper analyses how uncertainties around the uptake of low carbon technologies (LCTs) are being managed within the regulatory regime for electricity networks in Britain. Within the sustainability transitions field several studies have identified electricity networks and regulation as an important topic and have focused primarily on the introduction of innovation incentives for monopoly network companies. The main contribution made to this research agenda is to broaden the frame of analysis from innovation policy to examine the challenges associated with whole system reconfiguration and the transformation of incumbent regulatory regimes to deal with the net zero challenge. The empirical basis of the paper is a detailed analysis of regulatory decision making in relation to approving (or not) large capital investments in regional electricity distribution networks to integrate LCTs. We analyse attempts to reconfigure the networks and the incumbent regulatory regime, focusing on efforts to address shortcomings associated with traditional regulation.