UK Power Networks has become the first Distribution System Operator (DSO) to respond to industry calls and publish full data on curtailment history across its network.

UK Power Networks introduced flexible connections to the UK in 2014 to enable renewable energy generators to connect to the network faster and cheaper. The trade-off is that flexibility customers can sometimes see their exported energy curtailed, to keep the network within safe limits.

DSO director Sotiris Georgiopoulos said with a significant renewable energy pipeline connected now and anticipated in the coming years, having data foundations on curtailment actions is essential to keep curtailment as efficient as possible.

He said: “We know generators want to get as much of the energy they produce, onto the network, and that’s exactly what we are doing. By gaining a really clear understanding of exactly what’s happening and then working with our customers we’ve been able to deliver a significant drop in the volume and duration of curtailment.”

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