Review of Engineering Recommendation P2/6

Completed

Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
Electricity North West Limited

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 January 2015

01 September 2016

20 months

£650,000

Power

North West

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, Electricity North West Limited

Project Contact, Northern Ireland Electricity
Project Contact, Western Power Distribution
Project Contact, National Grid Electricity Transmission
Project Contact, Scottish and Southern Energy plc
Project Contact, Northern Powergrid
Project Contact, UK Power Networks
Project Contact, GTC
Project Contact, SP Energy Networks

The objective is to review the requirements for and function of a planning standard and if appropriate produce an updated version of Engineering Recommendation P2 so the security provided by Network assets together with systems and infrastructure provided by others (as appropriate) can be assessed against agreed standards. In order to be sufficiently future proof the revised document will focus on developing a framework against which means of providing security of supply can be evaluated. It is envisaged that a revised standard would not require a further review before, ideally, 2030. DNOs and National Grid will ensure that the means of provision of the appropriate supply security will be executed in an overall economic, efficient and co-ordinated manner.

Engineering Recommendation P2 has been in place since 1978 and has played a major role in the development of secure, reliable distribution networks. Whilst a number of changes have been made over the years, the document has served the industry well for over 30 years. P2 is a ‘deterministic’ standard and is largely focused around ensuring sufficient capacity is available to meet the peak demand within a manner and timeframe consistent with the group demand (or put simply, the size of network) in question. P2 is also risk based to such an extent that larger load groups are in general deserving of a higher level of security. The most fundamental issue regarding the future evolution of the P2 standard is whether it prescribes economically efficient investments, given many changes affecting the energy market at present, including the (anticipated) prolific deployment of non-network technologies and the changing role of the customer. This gives rise to the need for a fundamental review of the baseline philosophy of distribution network operation and design to ensure that the UK Government’s energy policy objectives can continue to be met in a cost effective and pragmatic way. The requirement for a fundamental review of Engineering Recommendation P2 has been recognised by Network Licensees (i.e. the electricity Distribution Network Operators (DNO) companies and National Grid) for some time. The Licensees therefore believe that it is timely to undertake a comprehensive review of Engineering Recommendation P2 in relation to customer and system requirements and an understanding of what is required for the long term development of networks. The review is formed of two distinct phases: Phase 1Phase 1 is a research and exploration phase by the R&D Provider. DNOs and National Grid have no preconceived approach to future security standards. The spectrum of possibilities ranges from a modification and update of the current arrangements, development of a completely new approach starting from first principles, through to recommending scrapping such standards completely. The essential task of Phase 1 is to research a range of options for the overall approach to propose how such options can be evaluated, to undertake that evaluation, and to recommend the most appropriate fundamental approach that should be taken forwards into Phase 2. This phase will be posing some fundamental questions about the means of providing the appropriate level for the security of supplies to customers, via a combination of network assets, customer owned assets, and both technical and commercial operational management techniques, and as such will be of great interest to many stakeholders. Hence as part of this phase it will be important for licensees to consult widely with such stakeholders. The Consultant will be an integral part of the consultation process, although licensees and the DCRP will need to preside over the formalities. However the Consultant will be expected to contribute fully to the development of materials, papers and public meetings. Consultants should include proposals for public engagement. The key deliverable of Phase 1 is a final report addressing all the relevant issues. The report will lay out the options, the relevant analysis including feedback from consultations, and make recommendations for a future revision to Engineering Recommendation P2/6. The report will clearly point the way for how any necessary development can be done in Phase 2 including a draft programme, key milestones and an indicative timeline. Phase 2Phase 2 will be further defined following the output of Phase 1. There is expected to be a need to codify and implement the revised arrangements. Phase 2 could include further research and development to create the ultimate revised arrangements. Phase 2 will undertake whatever work is required to codify the proposed arrangements, to consult widely and appropriately with stakeholders, support the statutory consultations, make the formal documentary changes and assist with implementation.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

11/12/18