A SCOTTISH wind farm operator has been fined £5.5m after inflating prices and overcharging the National Grid to switch off wind turbines at peak times.
Dorenell Wind Farm, in the Highlands, was asked to reduce its output multiple times in 2020 but industry regulator Ofgem has found the farm, owned by French energy giant EDF, were charging “excessive prices”.
Power generators are paid on a half-hourly basis by the National Grid to adjust their output depending on demand, with companies setting their own price for which they are willing to adjust.
The watchdog found Dorenell’s prices “did not properly reflect the financial benefits of reducing its output”.
It’s believed to be the first time a wind farm has been fined for excessive charges, something Ofgem’s director of enforcement, Cathryn Scott, hopes will “send a clear message”.
“This company has accepted its error and has agreed to make a significant payment to put it right.
“Customers – particularly those in vulnerable situations – will rightly benefit from over £5 million as a direct result.
“We hope this sends a clear message that licence breaches will simply not be tolerated.”
A spokesman for Dorenell added: “Dorenell Windfarm Limited takes compliance seriously and aims to comply with regulations at all times.
“DWL reviews its practices regularly and adapts as necessary. At all times throughout this review, DWL has engaged actively with Ofgem and cooperated fully to resolve the issue.”
