S. GRENARD/ D. MELOVIC/ G. STRBAC UK Alpha 5 – Block 2.1 Barcelona May Effect of losses on design and regulation of distribution networks Collaborative research project –UMIST, EPSRC, Alstom Transformers, Aquila Networks, East Midlands Electricity, Pirelli Cables, Association of European Copper Producers Two streams of work –Technical: Develop long-term loss-inclusive optimal network design and replacement strategies for the UK distribution networks –Regulatory/commercial: Investigate alternative mechanisms for implementation of minimum life-cycle cost replacement strategies.

S. GRENARD/ D. MELOVIC/ G. STRBAC UK Alpha 5 – Block 2.1 Barcelona May Background Ageing electricity network infrastructure –UK distribution networks expanded in late 50s and early 60s –Golden opportunity to develop long-term replacement strategy Climate change challenge –UK Governments committed to reducing CO2 emissions –Current emphasis on renewable sources, while the importance of efficiency in transport of electricity not yet well recognised. –Losses in the UK networks are significant

S. GRENARD/ D. MELOVIC/ G. STRBAC UK Alpha 5 – Block 2.1 Barcelona May Business environment and asset replacement strategy Pressures to satisfy conflicting objectives –reduce operating costs, –improve utilisation of existing assets, –expand the life of existing assets, etc Result: lowest investment cost replacement philosophy replaces minimum life-cycle cost approach –Lowest investment cost policy is more expensive in the long run

S. GRENARD/ D. MELOVIC/ G. STRBAC UK Alpha 5 – Block 2.1 Barcelona May Design of loss inclusive network replacement strategy Concept of reference distribution system: optimal network that minimises total investment and operating cost of delivery. Main input: –Customer load characteristics (density and profile), technical and cost characteristics of transformers and circuits, half hourly price of electric energy Main output: –Optimal loss inclusive network design and replacement policy (optimal number of distribution transformers, optimal circuit and transformer designs for urban and rural networks, number of voltage levels, etc)

S. GRENARD/ D. MELOVIC/ G. STRBAC UK Alpha 5 – Block 2.1 Barcelona May Illustration: loss inclusive circuit design Capital cost Cost of losses Capital cost Security Standards Security Standards Electricity transport driven capacity Electricity transport driven capacity Additional, security driven capacity Additional, security driven capacity

S. GRENARD/ D. MELOVIC/ G. STRBAC UK Alpha 5 – Block 2.1 Barcelona May Optimal utilisation of circuits Type of conductor Voltage levelCableOverhead 0.4 kV0.15 – – kV0.2– – kV0.3 – – kV0.75 – 10.3 – 0.5

S. GRENARD/ D. MELOVIC/ G. STRBAC UK Alpha 5 – Block 2.1 Barcelona May Costs and benefits from loss reduction Suppliers’ cost of losses is passed through to customers DNOs rewarded through the LAF (Loss Adjustment Factor) of the price control formula for reductions in losses: LAF = (1+RPI/100)  2.9p/kWh  (AL-L) Transport Service Energy Market SupplyNetwork Losses

S. GRENARD/ D. MELOVIC/ G. STRBAC UK Alpha 5 – Block 2.1 Barcelona May Incentives for loss reduction 510 years % revenue from loss reduction Revenue from loss reduction over the 10 year period: R=5.5  Loss reduction[MWh/year]  29£/MWh Current share between DNO and customer: 30:70 It is not clear whether this scheme supports minimum life cycle cost replacement strategy

S. GRENARD/ D. MELOVIC/ G. STRBAC UK Alpha 5 – Block 2.1 Barcelona May Current review by OFGEM Input vs. output based incentive mechanism Different mechanisms for technical and non-technical losses? Alternative incentive schemes: –Adjusting the current incentive scheme –The NGC approach –DNOs purchasing electricity under NETA to cover losses

S. GRENARD/ D. MELOVIC/ G. STRBAC UK Alpha 5 – Block 2.1 Barcelona May Two approaches to replacement strategy Geometric model Statistical model

S. GRENARD/ D. MELOVIC/ G. STRBAC UK Alpha 5 – Block 2.1 Barcelona May Summary The importance of efficiency in transport of electricity not yet well recognised (now is the time to develop optimum long-term loss-inclusive network replacement strategy for the future) Approach based on minimum investment cost to network design and replacement will not deliver minimum overall cost solution Minimum life cycle cost approach to design and replacement delivers overall optimum: need to quantify the relationship between investment decisions with distribution losses Regulatory and commercial frameworks to be developed to encourage economic energy efficient network investment and operation policies