E-Serve helps DNOs with grid management through data sharing arrangement

Press release

Publication date

Industry sector

Distribution Network

Scheme name

FIT

A data-sharing agreement with Ofgem E-Serve is helping Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) meet their obligations to provide security of supply and sustainable operation of their systems.

As administrators of the Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) scheme Ofgem E-Serve keeps records of every installation accredited under the programme which sees small-scale renewable generators paid to feed their excess electricity into the grid.

By sharing information about the location and capacity of FIT installations Ofgem E-Serve is helping DNOs predict where and when electricity will be fed into the grid, ensuring the supply and demand across the network remains balanced.

So far, data-sharing agreements have been established via Memorandums of Understanding with UK Power Networks, SSE Power Distribution (who have two DNO areas), and Northern Powergrid.

In addition to managing their networks DNOs are required to submit data to Ofgem as part of the RIIO (Revenue=Incentives+Innovation+Outputs) framework.

The data-sharing agreements will enable DNOs to meet these obligations without which they may only be aware of a proportion of the connected FIT installations rather than all of them.

While Ofgem E-Serve’s data sharing agreements will help plug gaps in the information the DNOs hold, the responsibility for informing DNOs of new capacity on the grid rests with Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)-certified installers who must notify DNOs using a G59 form for large installations or a G83 form for small installations.

Chris Wood, Senior Manager, Feed-in Tariffs at Ofgem E-Serve, said: “This data-sharing agreement is a great example of how the information we hold can be used to the benefit of consumers to ensure electricity supplies remain stable and reliable. It will also help facilitate further development of embedded generation in the future.”

About Ofgem E-Serve

Ofgem E-Serve delivers green energy and social schemes on behalf of government. Our expertise lies in designing, setting up and delivering large scale programmes in the sustainable energy sector. These programmes are in fields as diverse as renewable heat, renewable electricity, energy efficiency and fuel poverty. We’ve established an impressive track record since 2009, administering schemes worth more than £6 billion a year for less than 0.5 per cent of their total value.

For further press information contact:

Stuart.forsyth@ofgem.gov.uk or 0207 901 3111