National Grid’s Distribution System Operator (DSO) has launched a new self-serve curtailment estimation tool, allowing customers to quickly find out for themselves the potential levels of curtailment if they connect to the network.
National Grid DSO offers flexible and curtailable connections, facilitated by its Actuve Network Management (ANM) system, to allow customers to connect to the network faster and at a lower cost. Previously, customers were required to submit connection applications without any knowledge of potential levels of curtailment and had to specifically request a curtailment report. The Curtailment Estimator draws on the latest data to offer user-friendly access to high level and technical curtailment insights.
The dataset includes the latest connections queue, network data and historic time-series load. Customers will be able to assess existing applications that have gone through Connections Reform, apply attrition to the connections queue and adjust export capacity to explore different scenarios. Following this, a bespoke curtailment report is produced in less than five minutes.
While the initial release covers existing sites with a Gate 2 Connections Reform outcome, a post-beta version is already in development. This will allow customers to carry out curtailment analysis for a new generation connection on any location on the primary network using a postcode.
Will Topping, DSO Curtailment Team Leader at National Grid DSO, said: “Our new tool is about changing the way curtailment insight is accessed and used. By making high quality, up to date analysis available on demand, we’re giving customers the tools they need to move faster with confidence. “It’s a clear example of how our DSO is modernising through cloud based platforms, better use of data and direct customer feedback to support quicker, more efficient connections.”
Philip Bale, Specialist Connections Engineer at Roadnight Taylor, who did early testing on the project, said: “This tool will provide developers with a quick, higher-level understanding of risk, without any charge. This will be very helpful in determining some of the key causes of constraint within certain networks and to help understand what may need to change to reduce the risk of constraints with ANM.”
Access the Curtailment Estimator here: curtailment.nationalgrid.co.uk