EVALUATION

AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATION OF THE LCNF
Relevance and timing
Effective project methodology, and
effectiveness of implementation
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Assessment:
Project incomplete not marked
However DNOs have already or are intending to adopting ANM techniques shortly and whilst the project
in its entirety is not ready to roll out into BAU it has a high likelihood of being replicated by other DNOs.
Evidence:
Requirement for connection of renewable generation is highest in Scotland and is GB wide. Many
different constraints exist on many different networks causing reasonably priced, timely connection
challenges.
The project team have been actively engaged with the ENA in the creation of an ANM ‘best practice
guide’. Through the project, a number of challenges have been identified around the interface between
the DNO’s/SO and TO’s, prompting activity around exploring the requirements for greater local system
control and balancing in the form of a Distribution System Operator (DSO) which are being further
investigated in the NIA Evolution project. The adoption of Active Network Management as well as new
commercial arrangements with our customers is identified as a key enabler in the formation of our Future
Smart Grid Strategy and has created the formation of two live steering groups;
• SPEN DSO Steering Group – Strategic development of technical and commercial roadmap to
DSO.
• SPEN Smart Grid Steering Group – Development and roll-out of strategic technology enablers to
prepare the distribution network for further growth in LCT, DG and new local balancing markets
under a DSO
Through ED1 and into ED2 new commercial arrangements will be implemented to allow DG and
Distributed Energy Resource (DER) customers to connect to the distribution system without the need for
network reinforcements; arrangements such as ‘managed’ connections against local system constraint,
‘managed’ connections against wider transmission constraint in the form of enhanced Statement of Works
process and the facilitation of local community energy schemes being able to couple demand and
generation in the form of ‘Virtual Private Wire’ or ‘Sleeving’ arrangements. However, SPEN believe that
uncertainty around an evolving energy market must be considered when implementing a BaU roll-out
strategy in order to avoid future conflict between ‘managed’ connections and future actions taken by the
system operator (SO) or local system operators in the form of a (DSO).
References:
Active Network Management Guide; Presentation 1 – ARC workshop 17_03_2016; Questionnaire
Assessment:
Project incomplete not marked
PÖYRY MANAGEMENT CONSULTING
October 2016
713_Poyry_Report_Evaluation_of_the_LCNF_FINAL_Oct_2016_v700.docx
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