Project Summary

The proposed project is aimed at scoping a self-serve automated connections estimator for larger sites/non-domestic buildings, that can be accessed by those considering early-stage projects. We expect fewer projects will fail or be delayed if the connections costs and options are easily accessible at the beginning of the project. 
Those using the self-serve tool will be able to get a better, more rapid understanding of the capacity and associated costs, with the potential for options to be provided on to how to manage the cost. This would be by exploring energy efficiency improvements or storage or flexibility on the site to help reduce the network capacity management and encouraging dialogue between the ONO and the applicant. For the applicant it could help prioritise projects that are able to go ahead without capacity constraints, seeking Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) or other funding which requires quick project implementation. In urn the ONO would have a way of capturing all the considered projects in the local area which would help with it strategic planning for future reinforcement. 
The proposed estimator being considered in this scoping study would assess capacity for a decarbonisation solution for a site, generate estimates for upgrades and indicative costs. Based on modelling of the local system, and its current demands the solution would put indicative price estimates against each site upgrading specific attributes. This will allow the site owner to make an early and informed decision on the optimum decarbonisation route and accelerate the decarbonisation of large or complex non-domestic facilities. 
If taken forward to development, it would appear on Northern Powergrid's website during the Beta stage. The estimator would be intuitively combined with the existing connection tool AutoOesign providing all connections applicants one seamless experience. This project will extend AutoOesign's capabilities to support non-domestic connections. 
AutoOesign was generated by EA Technology and combining this existing knowledge with that which has arisen from the ESC's learning from the MEP programme and Local Area Planning, the proposal is to scope out a tool that builds on known technology and insights that will unlock the challenges detailed in question 4. 

Innovation Justification

The Problem 
To support decarbonisation of heat and transport, large, complex sites (NHS hospitals, local authority buildings, military estates, etc.) will need to upgrade their existing connections to accommodate the increasing electrical demand. Those sites may also choose to install renewable generation and therefore require an ability to export. For each of these sites; a level of initial design, feasibility study and business case needs to be completed before there is value in engaging with the ONO regarding connection possibilities.

However, lack of knowledge around the cost of the connection can mean that the preferred option is not viable and an alternative option should have been selected earlier in the design phase. This is the primary cause for decarbonisation projects to fail as significant redesign is required. 
Existing Work and Missing Knowledge 
The proposal is to build upon the existing self-serve Auto Design tool used by Northern Powergrid. That tool is currently focussed on providing customers with budget quotations associated with new connection requests for domestic properties or single large sites up to 210 kVA. This toolset currently does not consider: 

•    Existing connections
•    Larger, complex sites
•    HV connected sites

Modern Energy Partners - a BEIS funded innovation programme ran 2018 to Sept 21 during which 42 large campus style sites (military estates, prisons, hospitals, offices and universities) were assessed for their potential to decarbonise. Emissions were considered at a building and site level understanding half hourly energy use and technology, building up a very clear picture of the patterns and themes that are likely to occur across the UK. It demonstrated that the typical cost to decarbonise a campus style site would be in the region of £12.6m and almost always would require electrification of heat. However, this project did not go as far as being able to analyse or quantify the cost of connection upgrades to support the new energy demands. 
The Innovation 
Combining existing knowledge and datasets on the energy demands of large sites along with the development of innovative toolsets to understand the impact on the electricity networks can accelerate the uptake of low carbon technologies along with improving the efficiency and transparency of the distribution networks connection process. The toolsets and capabilities developed as part of this project will be developed in such a way that they can be applied across the GB distribution networks to facilitate the rapid decarbonisation of existing customer sites. 

Project Benefits

Future reductions in the cost of operating the network (Benefits for DNOs) 

•    Better automated knowledge and recording of queries
•    Better longer-term network management though recording the usage of the tool
•    Better management of deployable staff time through less speculative connection requests (reduction in contact time for each connection request and reduction in number of connections requests)
•    Lower capacity demand asks through site better management of LCT.
•    Removal of connection barriers for the decarbonisation of major energy demands (budget estimates available through the online portal).
•    Remove the need for a connections engineer to provide a budget estimate. The budget estimate could come from the self-serve software tool.

Cost savings per annum for users of network services (Benefits for site developers and operators): 

•    An easy and quick way to understand network constraints and associated costs for upgrade costs.
•    A way to understand what the options might be answering questions such as
"what might be needed to reduce the site load by to manage upgrade costs /timeline." or "how can on-site storage be used to manage site load and reduce connection costs".
•    Less delays in project programme and reduced risk of decarbonisation project not proceeding.
•    Less unknown costs late in the construction programme.
•    If managing a portfolio of sites/estate a way of understanding where my investment will be most beneficial.
•    Empowering non-domestic customers to make better connections choices resulting in lower connections costs.

Cost savings per annum on energy bills for consumers (Benefits for all customers): 

•    Lower reinforcement costs requiring socialisation.
•    Business case estimating the likely savings will be developed at the discovery phase.

Carbon reduction -- indirect CO2 savings:

•    Accelerating non-residential buildings to decarbonise will reduce UK CO2 emissions (non-residential accounts for 9% of emissions).
•    Needing to build less electricity network reducing embedded emissions in material production.

New to market:

A software tool that allows budget quotes to be automated, supporting the digitalisation of the DNOs.