The UK’s Distribution System Operator (DSO) of National Grid Electricity Distribution is sharing its future network development plans with all local authorities in the South West, Midlands and South Wales.
This allows local authorities to see how the DSO has used their data and insight to shape network development plans, it said, so the future distribution network meets the needs of their communities as they transition to a low carbon economy.
Head of system planning for DSO at National Grid Electricity Distribution Oliver Spink said: “We have listened to what our customers want, which is why we’re tailoring our support to local authorities, giving them a full picture of future network upgrades in their area.
“We are looking at how we use more tools to solve problems, optimise the use of the network and automate processes to make things quicker as we plan for the future.
“By providing these transparent plans to develop the distribution network, we can work together as we continue to transition to net zero.”
Plymouth City Council net zero strategy coordinator Lucinda Brook said: “National Grid Electricity Distribution’s proactive approach has been really helpful.
“We are particularly focused on exploring how the network development planning process can help us to accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions. Being able to liaise with the DSO team directly is hugely valuable.”
Joint strategic planning manager for Leicester and Leicestershire Partnership Karen Beavin added: “The Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Planning Partnership recently benefitted from National Grid Electricity Distribution’s presentation on network development plans, as part of its engagement around medium and long-term strategic planning.
“National Grid Electricity Distribution’s shift in approach and proactive working with local authorities will enable earlier identification of issues and speedier delivery of growth opportunities.”
A network development plan is a regulatory requirement to assess the future suitability of the distribution network.
It looks at how National Grid Electricity Distribution will continue to deliver for customers, identifies where intervention might be needed due to network constraints and looks for solutions, such as flexibility services or reinforcement.
The DSO runs 14,000 studies with 20 billion load flows from the network. It has 56 grid supply points on the network and has already developed 140 network development plans.