Smart Optimisation Output (SOO) Resource Page

The Long Term Development Statement (LTDS) is provided for the purpose of allowing existing and potential customers to make an initial assessment of the capabilities of the electricity network and opportunities for changes in their use of the network or for connecting to it.*

*Actual changes in supply capacity for existing customers or new connections are subject to detailed assessment and approval, and payment of appropriate charges.

To support the transition to a net zero carbon future, it’s important we share information on future electricity trends and the impact of these trends on the electricity network. This can support our customers in taking positive action towards net zero and planning new connections.

The network development plan (NDP), is an important source of information on our future network, as it shows where we intend to create capacity over the next ten years and where flexibility services may be advantageous.

New technologies and changing customer requirements are transforming the way that electricity is generated, distributed and consumed; and our networks are becoming smarter and more flexible.

As the North West’s electricity network operator, it’s our responsibility to plan for the future, support the region’s economic development and facilitate the transition to a net zero carbon future.

Data on Load Indices that define the network utilisation across the primary network (132 to 33kV supplied substations) and data of reinforcement works across all voltage levels.

Mapping data on load and capacity headroom across all voltage levels (EHV to LV – from BSPs to secondary substations), which allows our stakeholders understand capacity availability and constraints across our network. Also a heatmap tool that can provide additional information and insights for customers that wish to connect to our network or increase their existing capacity. (These visualisations include output from the network Impact assessment)

Load Related Expendature is required to develop our network so that it can continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers, enabling them to connect low carbon technologies without barriers and reach more ambitious regional Net Zero targets. Network development must satisfy the need for capacity according to the quatity, timing and location of power used by and produced by our customers.

Electricity North West Limited's Load Related Expendature, as described in our Annex 3A: LRE Investment Plan - Part A of our ED2 business plan submission.

Distribution System Operation (DSO) is key to Net Zero. We're planning for the future to meet the needs of our customers by forecasting demand and generation usage,

we're able to identify where flexible services can help and understand where reinforcement is needed. We're continually sharing this data to support your decision-making.

Network impact assessments are carried out accross the EHV, HV & LV networks to determine future network development plans and investment requirements.

Different approaches are applied at different voltage levels due to the differing size, demand diversity, volume drivers and complexity per voltage level.

Our strategic network planning focuses on a coordinated network development across wider areas to avoid piecemeal network expansion driven by connections activity. The proposed asset solutions and the cases that the use of flexibility services is feasible and should be prioritised are presented in our Network Development Plan (NDP) report.

As the UK embraces a zero carbon future, the way energy is generated, stored, consumed and traded is changing rapidly and our Flexible Services are a smart and efficient way of facilitating this transition. Flexible services are a cheaper & faster way of balancing supply and demand on the network, allowing us to utilise our existing assets to make the most out of the capacity we already have

Technology, information and data are becoming increasingly important at Electricity North West as we strive to improve efficiency, drive innovation, increase transparency and support the transition to net zero.

Our digitalisation strategy is a key component of our business plan for 2023 – 2028. It sets out how information technology will help us achieve our goals and how we will use digital products and services to meet the needs of our customers and other stakeholders.

Long Duration Energy Storage for Network Optimisation, Decarbonisation and Efficiency (LDES NODE) will develop a methodology to inform the optimal locations of LDES technologies when deployed on the electricity distribution network.

With optimal deployment, LDES technologies can assist with alleviating local constraints and maximising the output of renewable generation, as well as performing valuable stability and resilience grid services.