Issue link: https://read.utilityweek.co.uk/i/808182
NETWORK / 22 / ApRil 2017 Distribution system operators ElEctricity North WEst's 11 fEaturEs of a Dso moDEl Dsos will have an important role to play in releasing and managing capacity and innovating to develop new solutions Network capacity provision DSOs will need to focus on localised and regional balancing of capacity to ensure maximum customer freedom to identify and provide capacity efficiently. This will require new assets to be created, deployment of smart grid technologies or commercial contracts with customers to release capacity. capacity market managemente DSOs will identify and secure the most efficient means of capacity provision for customers. This includes customer to customer provision of capacity either directly or through third parties such as National Grid for demand/generation turn up or down services. Network access DSOs will manage network access 24/7 for construction and maintenance outages to protect flexible customers from inappropriate outage requests and to set out efficient network outage plans, balancing security for customers, cost and the impact on flexible customers. connections Regional DSOs are likely to need to interact with and manage capacity within embedded independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) areas. To ensure customers benefit from the development of SO roles, a level of DSO involvement will be required to enable both independent Connection provider (iCp) operation and IDNO growth. security of supply and investment plans DSOs should develop sophisticated approaches to determining and using metrics such as the Value of Lost Load (VoLL) to calculate and provide security via commercial or technical means within an appropriate regulatory framework. The role of the DSO would include commissioning works across the investment spectrum to adequately manage resilience risks including High Impact Low Probability (HILP) events, quality of supply improvements and targeted asset replacement plans. losses DSOs must have a central role in determining losses-related investments including incremental investments ('upsizing') and targeted losses reduction programmes. making most of network assets DSOs will continue to explore and develop options to make the most of network assets, minimise customer bills, and ensure the effective transition to a smart and flexible energy system. charging for the services used DSOs will have an important role to play in determining the charges that network customers pay. ENW believes the structure of charging currently used in the UK needs fundamental review; driven by changing customer needs, innovation and the range of commercial solutions for network balancing. service provision DSO participation in markets facilitated by others, such as providing services to balance the national system, and network users who may require additional, value- adding but non-essential services. management of local transmission capacity DSOs will play a role in the decisions around regional transmission capacity management. This includes balancing transmission operator (TO) capacity against DNO/iDNO transfer capacity, customer demand, customer generation, storage operation and commercial options at grid supply point (GSP) sites. TO investment at relevant boundaries is a relevant issue for DSOs, who are best placed to manage customers' interests, says ENW. innovation DSOs will determine where innovation is required and develop new solutions to ensure networks deliver on customer expectations. For example, ENW is looking at how technologies such as smart meters and energy storage may be able to improve its understanding and operation of the network. Accelerating Renewables Connections (ARC) ARC aimed to tackle capacity issues by investigating import and consumption trends when connecting renewable- generated energy to the network. It used modelling and monitoring of the low-voltage network to analyse the impact of the integration of domestic photovoltaics (PVs) to help communities develop ways of using distributed energy, allowing genera- tors to produce more and reduce costs. Using ANM, SP Energy Networks (SPEN) was able to ask generators to reduce or increase the amount of energy they pro- duced to meet local electricity demand and other factors, such as network constraints. The project accelerated the time taken for distributed generation to reach the network, while helping SPEN meet its obligation to connect renewable generation to the local power network. The SPEN-led project was in partner- ship with Community Energy Scotland, Smarter Grid Solutions and the University of Strathclyde. ARC was launched in the East Lothian and Borders region of SPEN's electricity distribution network – an area of 2,700km 2 stretching from North Berwick down to Holy Island, and inland as far as Hawick and Galashiels. 5 ENW worked with National Energy Action on the proof of concept, to eliminate the need to build costly new substations as a way of coping with growing electricity demand. The Power Saver Challenge was launched in November 2014, and saw 260 residents try to become more energy efficient by following advice and using energy-saving equipment. lessons learnt DNOs can interact directly with their end customers, changing behaviour to manage demand. lessons learnt Recording high-resolution data on power flows at substations and grid supply points will be invaluable as the UK starts to transition to the DSO model.