Andy Wainwright, Business Lead - Whole Electricity System, National Grid looks at how we shape the electricity system of the future.
The way we generate and use electricity is changing, driven by the challenges of decarbonisation, decentralisation and digitisation.
New consumer technologies such as smart meters and electric vehicles, together with increased volumes of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar and storage, are lifting the traditional distinctions between energy vectors. These changes create new opportunities to do more for consumers and the economy, especially through a ‘Whole System Approach’. As we move forward, consumers will reap the benefits of experience and innovation, unconstrained by out-of-date barriers while continuing to receive safe, secure energy at the right price.
As the system operator, National Grid manages the operation of both gas and electricity transmission systems. We know that to get the best outcomes for consumers we need to put careful consideration into energy sources, across transmission and distribution systems. Whilst we have ongoing initiatives that consider Whole System Approach impacts across energy sources (such as the evolution of heat) we are also focusing on the ‘Whole Electricity System’. For us, the Whole Electricity System includes everything that connects to sockets in consumers’ homes, through to large transmission connected generators.
As national Electricity System Operator, ESO for short, we have traditionally worked with distribution network operators (DNOs) and larger distribution parties to apply Whole System Approach thinking. For example, designing and operating an efficient transmission network has also led us to consider distribution network demands and impacts. With increasing volumes of DERs, these relationships need to be even deeper and how the ESO collaborates and works with different parties is changing.
Ofgem describes our role in ‘Facilitating Whole System Outcomes’ as a stand-alone ESO. This means we need to work with other parties to facilitate efficient development and operation of the Whole Electricity System. We’re doing this through initiatives such as Regional Development Programmes and the Network Options Assessment (NOA) Roadmap, developing new ways of working and taking advantage of emerging non-network solutions.
More broadly ENA’s Open Networks Project is providing an excellent vehicle to bring together network owners and operators to collaborate and develop the Whole Electricity System of the future. A good example is the Future Worlds consultation, open until 25 September 2018, which considers the changes needed to roles and responsibilities. This work needs to be shaped by a broad range of stakeholders and we’re keen to ensure that feedback is received from as many parties as possible. Find out more and have your say by responding to the consultation. Visit National Grid to learn about our role in facilitating Whole Electricity system outcomes.
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.