Connect and Manage

Due to the cumulative impact of new generation connections on the distribution system, National Grid Electricity Transmission (‘NGET’) has identified that, in many instances, there risks being insufficient transmission capacity to cope with peak intermittent generation. One option to manage the situation is the reinforcement of the transmission system prior to the connection of any further generation capability; however the cost and timescales associated with this means it isn’t necessarily the most appropriate solution in this instance.

WPD and NGET are working collaboratively to find an alternative solution to undertaking conventional reinforcement. This includes the use of analysis to identify instances where it is more beneficial to address transmission system constraints in the South West through NGET having better management, visibility and control of Distributed Energy Resources (DER). We call this solution, ‘Connect & Manage’. Facilitating this Connect & Manage approach will reduce costs and timescales for connection therefore WPD is working with NGET to roll out the Connect & Manage arrangements throughout the South West, alongside existing arrangements for providing connections in constrained areas of the distribution network.