The ‘Connection Journeys Artificial Intelligence (AI)’ project aims to assess the opportunity for AI across the High Voltage (HV) and Extra High Voltage (EHV) connection journeys through the delivery of an AI Roadmap and Proof of Concept (PoC). The project will continue the drive towards greater digitalisation and help achieve the RIIO-ED2 strategic outcome of ‘connectability’ in the wider context of connection reform. 

Benefits

Time Saving… One of the benefits of AI is the time-savings that it can bring. In assessing the opportunity for AI across the connections journey from pre-application, to application and offer, to energisation, we are looking at an opportunity to save company time across numerous teams and across all of NGED’s license areas. 

In a study of 35,000 workers across 27 global markets, it was found that employees saved on average an hour a day from the use of AI in the workplace. This was found to be highest in the energy, utility and clean technology sectors where the average time saving rose to 6.25 hours per week. When this is applied to NGED’s staff working within the HV and EHV connections journey the time saving could be more than £2.5 million per annum. This was calculated by taking the salaries of staff who work on a part of the HV and EHV connection journey, assuming that 50% of their time is dedicated to HV and EHV connections, and applying the average hour a day AI saving found in the study above. 

With this first phase of the project estimated to cost £418,859.10, this presents a strong initial case for investment. Time freed up would enable staff to focus on other tasks, increase accuracy and increase our efficiency as a business, which will ultimately benefit our customers. The Customer Journey Analysis (WP1) segment of the project will enable us to get a more accurate understanding of the scale of the time-saving benefit for future projects.