Storage is currently viewed as a "generation" activity, which precludes National Grid and distribution network operators from expanding into this area.
National Grid has been joined by UK Power Networks, which owns and maintains electricity cables across London and the south-east of England, in pushing for a shift in the regulations.
They argue that storage could help cut costs as network operators will not be required to invest as much in adapting to an electricity system with a higher peneration of renewables-sourced energy.
But the UK’s power generators oppose the move on the grounds that it will be encroaching on their business, and that network operators should act as neutral market facilitators, not as commercial service providers.
