UK Power Networks DSO publishes ‘flexibility first’ approach
UK Power Networks has outlined where and when it would like to secure additional electrical capacity in the next five years in its first Distribution Network Options Assessment report.
The report outlines the options such as reinforcing the existing electricity network, offering flexibility, and making recommendations for the lowest cost investment option for customers.
It offers detailed information on upcoming opportunities for flexibility market participants and sets out the methodology for how UK Power Network’s DSO selects areas where flexible capacity will be needed.
The data is a “fundamental pillar” of UK Power Networks’ independent DSO, it said, and “underlines its commitment to transparency in the flexibility market”.
It said flexibility was a “rapidly emerging marketplace” that can offer network companies a cost-effective additional capacity on the network at peak times as an alternative to the traditional method of building new infrastructure.
The news follows the launch of the DSO in May with a commitment to save customers more than £400m in the next five years through flexibility to manage demand for new capacity.
Sotiris Georgiopoulos, director of the Distribution System Operator at UK Power Networks said: “Transparency is key to building trust in our marketplace, and this document is part of our commitment to be demonstrate transparent and clear decision-making.
“It sets out very clearly how we evaluate traditional network options against flexible alternatives, where there are opportunities for new capacity on the network and what decisions we will make to ensure we continue to deliver a fit-for-purpose network for the energy transition to Net Zero, at lowest cost for our customers.”
The report is available to view here.
Image courtesy of UK Power Networks
