Low demand on the network has the potential to push network voltages beyond safe operating levels. Network voltages are maintained within these safe operating levels by controlling which voltage support equipment: generators, circuits and reactive equipment are in use in each UK network region. Currently, determining which voltage support equipment should be in use is done using complex simulations, which can be time-consuming and take up to one week to plan which combination should be switched in or out for any one week. 

As part of this project, the relationship between national demand forecasts, outage patterns and voltage advice given in the Integrated Energy Management System (IEMS) data will be analysed and the most common pattern of assets switched in/out will be extracted. This will result in the development of predictive techniques that allow high confidence assignment of one of the common switching combinations or a suggestion to return to simulation in unusual circumstances, achieving huge reductions in time spent on simulation. 

Benefits

This project presents significant advantages by revolutionising the voltage advice process. Adapting the approach to generate accurate and responsive voltage advice ensures adaptability to evolving outage scenarios. This flexibility allows timely advice updates in planned and unplanned situations, leading to cost savings through proactive decision-making.  

Additionally, it enables the early identification of issues, facilitating efficient contracts with generators and ultimately reducing consumer expenses. Solutions delivered through this project support coordination of the system to navigate voltage constraints and ensure security of supply, helping the ESO to accommodate greater renewable generation and reduce the carbon intensity of the grid.  

Overall, the initiative promises more robust and precise voltage management guidance for the control room, streamlining operations and fostering greater efficiency.