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AN INDEPENDENT <strong>EVALUATION</strong> OF THE LCNF<br />

a lower TRL level. They hope that Energy Systems Catapult can provide support in these<br />

instances. They concede that support for technology development and commercialisation<br />

is a bigger barrier to innovation than any issues with the LCNF mechanism.<br />

Finally, one respondent is of the view that EIC ensures that projects that don’t fit in with<br />

their political and commercial plan are side-lined.<br />

C.2.3<br />

Effect of Third Party Access to LCNF Funding (Q2.3)<br />

Questions:<br />

Do you think third party access to LCNF funding would improve the quality of<br />

innovation projects and if so why?<br />

C.2.3.1 Summary of Responses<br />

The responses were varied for this question, with the only consensus that DNO<br />

involvement is essential regardless of third party access. Around a third of respondents<br />

felt that access would improve the quality of projects, with three respondents feeling it<br />

would definitely not aid the quality.<br />

One respondent had no clear view and one respondent did not answer this question.<br />

C.2.3.2 Third Parties Already Have Access<br />

Two respondents would class third parties as already having access through their<br />

partnership with DNOs. Both provided the example of the My Electric Avenue project<br />

which was led by a non DNO, EATL. Another respondent also mentioned that LCNF<br />

projects were often led by non DNOs.<br />

C.2.3.3 Third Party Access Would Improve the Quality<br />

One respondent felt that the funding structure and control of DNOs can sometimes hinder<br />

projects coming forward; also there are some projects that are not obviously beneficial to<br />

the DNO but are beneficial otherwise they are less appealing to DNOs, but this could lead<br />

to asset stranding across the sector.<br />

Another respondent felt it could be provided but the rules would need to be strict.<br />

One respondent feels that giving third party access would inject a new energy into the<br />

fund – projects would be looked at from a different perspective including that of the<br />

customers, not just the DNOs.<br />

Another respondent felt that if a way to give third party access without taking away<br />

Ofgem’s rights to exercise due governance over project delivery could be developed; third<br />

party access could bring a wider variety of proposals. The response carried on to say it<br />

needs to be ensured that the projects are delivered and the roll-out benefit is secured from<br />

the attendant IPR as funded by customers, for the good of the DNO customers.<br />

Finally, one respondent believes that it would improve the quality as the current need to<br />

secure political support from the EIC is a hindrance.<br />

C.2.3.4 Against Third Party Access<br />

Three respondents felt it would not be a good idea. One of these respondents felt that<br />

having the network operator involved makes sense as it means the project is realistic and<br />

PÖYRY MANAGEMENT CONSULTING<br />

October 2016<br />

713_Poyry_Report_Evaluation_of_the_LCNF_FINAL_Oct_2016_v700.docx<br />

178

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