Energy – National grid

Grid Connection

Chisholme never has been connected to the National Grid, and has generated its own electricity from a series of generators over the years. At present, one of two generators (15kW and 22.5kW) is used depending on expected peak demand. Over recent years the time-averaged demand is shown below.

Chisholme daily electrical demand (graph - pdf file)

Affected by a number of factors (e.g. external temperatures, windspeed, resident numbers), demand can be seasonally averaged into winter (200 kWh/day) and summer (150kWh/day) periods. The exceptionally high winter 2010-2011 figure can be ascribed to both very low temperatures for an extended period, and the presence of a second course.

One of the reasons (apart from backup) for a 'large' and a 'small' generator are the peculiarities of generator-efficiency. Reducing output (ie demand) indeed leads to a reduction of diesel usage, but the relationship is not linear; low outputs, and those above 100%, lead to excess fuel usage. Periods of (generally) low demand are best met by swapping to a smaller generator. Despite these efforts, in 2010, over £17,000 was spent in generator fuel, to produce less than £8,000 worth of electricity if bought 'from the grid'.

So, although initially, and for many years, discounted as being too expensive, a grid connection could pay for itself in a short time, quite apart from the environmental benefits of using 'green' electricity, and supporting those producing it. As a stand-alone project, it works very well, and moreover, is a necessary stepping stone towards wind-generation on-site (Wind Power).

Two grid-link routes have been looked at, from Woodburn and from Parkhill, the first quickly emerging as favourite. Options and quotations are still being sought for connection, and it is hoped that an application for wayleave (permissions to cross neighbours land) will be submitted soon.