UK Power Networks has responded to industry calls and published full data on curtailment history across its network.
The distribution system operator (DSO) aims to be more open with data on when and why distributed energy resources (DERs) are curtailed in order to get more renewable energy into customers’ homes.
UK Power Networks introduced flexible connections to the UK in 2014 to enable renewable energy generators to connect to the network faster and more cheaply.
The trade-off is that flexibility customers can sometimes see their exported energy curtailed, to keep the network within safe limits.
The DSO is providing access to detailed data of curtailments into the public domain on its Open Data Portal.
After launching the UK’s first independent DSO in May 2023, the company has established new data and operations teams working to deeper understand and reduce the curtailment process.
DSO director Sotiris Georgiopoulos said: “We know generators want to get as much of the energy they produce onto the network and that’s exactly what we are doing.
“By gaining a really clear understanding of exactly what’s happening and then working with our customers we’ve been able to deliver a significant drop in the volume and duration of curtailment.
“We strongly believe in the principle of opening up our data and we’re opening up granular curtailment reporting, to release data on exactly how much spare capacity is available at each Grid Supply Point, and how many projects have already requested a new connection supporting customers by sharing more data and ultimately getting more renewable energy into people’s homes at lower cost.”
Commercial director of Locogen, Philippa Hardy, added: “The more data we have on curtailment, capacity and constraints, the more we can support our clients to plan where renewable energy, energy storage and hydrogen projects are best placed to support the networks and customers.”