Protecting Operational Services
Energy Connect works to identify, investigate and resolve radio interference issues caused by new developments or infrastructure – from physical interference caused by windfarms or tall buildings to RF interference from rogue transmissions – helping to maintain the integrity of critical operational telecoms systems.
Preventing disruption to critical telecoms
Much of our work on protecting operational telecoms focuses on assessing and mitigating the potential impacts of major developments, such as windfarms, on existing radio systems for critical energy infrastructure.
We assess any new buildings and other physical obstructions that might interrupt radio signals, as well as new telecom links or services in adjacent spectrum bands that might cause interference. In addition, we provide a fast-track service for members to report incidents of RF interference to their services. We then work in partnership with Ofcom to establish and rectify interference from rogue transmissions or other sources.
Mitigation strategies to support planning applications
Energy Connect constantly monitors any potential causes of interference with mission-critical operational telecoms.
We provide assessment services to determine any likely impacts and recommend effective mitigation strategies. Ideally, our assessments are carried out before detailed planning gets underway, so that any mitigations can be incorporated into site plans at an early stage. Major developers are encouraged to consult Energy Connect before any new development goes into planning, so we can assess any impacts on operational telecoms, provide mitigation solutions and give clearance for the development before the planning process begins. We have good working relationships with planning authorities across the UK, who will notify us as a consultee as soon as any large development, such as a wind farm, is proposed in their area.
Investigating causes of interference
We also investigate any causes of interference in energy sector radio communications to identify the root cause.
Often working with Ofcom, we explore any interruptions to energy telecom signals and help our members to overcome any disruption caused by interference from the surrounding area. Similarly, if new radio services are introduced into bands that share spectrum with our members’ telecoms systems, we investigate any conflicts and recommend measures to reduce the risk of interference.
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Windfarm Coordination
Wind Farm developers must be aware that the published Ofcom Licensing Database does NOT contain details of all utility radio links.