UK Power Networks the UK’s biggest electricity distribution company, has released 650 MVA of additional electricity network capacity through its innovative ‘Load Blinding’ programme, allowing customers to connect faster and at lower costs.
Load Blinding gives the network better visibility, allowing it to know the difference between a genuine fault and a safe, high-load situation. This more intelligent approach means more of the existing network can be used, safely releasing capacity that would otherwise be held back. The investment so far has resulted in the automated technology being installed at 22 substations to enhance the systems already in place, both modernising the approach while retaining resilience. The effect is to make the grid ‘smarter’ and more ready for the energy future.
For customers, this means quicker and cheaper connections, especially for renewable generators and high-demand projects like EV charging hubs or new housing developments. By unlocking capacity already available within the network, UK Power Networks can connect more low-carbon technologies sooner and support growing electricity demand. This is a key enabler to the 2030 target for generation within UK Power Networks’ area, which grid operator NESO has targeted at 8100MW, or 22% of generation needed on distribution networks, by 2030.
Daniel Saker, head of network strategy at UK Power Networks DSO, said “Load Blinding demonstrates how smarter network operation can deliver real benefits for customers … by unlocking hidden capacity within our existing network, we’re helping renewable energy projects, housing developments and EV infrastructure connect sooner, while reducing the need for costly reinforcement.”
