Introduction: eta will demonstrate a step change in the co-ordination and integrated operation of distribution networks in Great Britain. Utilising the most advanced technology developed today for LV network management, eta challenges the current operational practices and demonstrates how to optimise HV and LV networks in real time. eta marks the coming together of several technologies developed under IFI and First Tier Low Carbon Networks funding which will transform the operation of networks making them truly responsive to customers’ needs. Enhancing existing networks in this way enables accelerated connection of clusters of Low Carbon Technologies that contribute to emissions reduction targets. eta is a low risk, transferrable, non intrusive method which is an alternative first intervention to traditional network reinforcement. The eta Method releases capacity up to four times faster and is 40% cheaper than traditional reinforcement techniques for Low Carbon Technology clusters. eta‘s Optimisation software delivers Conservation Voltage Reduction to improve the energy efficiency of customers’ electrical appliances reducing energy up to 3.5% per annum, and lowering network losses by up to 2% per annum across HV and LV networks; delivering recurring financial savings for customers, without degradation to the quality of customers’ supply. In eta we will survey customers recruited from within the Trial areas to prove this.

The eta Solution is transferable to 64% of the Electricity North West and 72% of GB networks releasing capacity up to 2 985MW for Electricity North West and 39 630MW for GB; and is less carbon intensive than traditional approaches delivering an asset carbon saving of up to 93%.

Through eta, the delivery of electricity will become more efficient, flexible, with a real focus on minimising carbon impact whilst enhancing supply resilience for customers as they will become increasingly dependent on electricity as their primary source of energy.

Objectives: The UK’s decarbonisation journey through to 2050 will see a reduction in the carbon footprint of heat, transport and electricity generation. Current DECC forecasts suggest that there may be up to a 60% increase in total electricity demand, mostly between 2030 and 2050 and the amount of small scale embedded generation such as photovoltaic (PV) panels on domestic premises is set to increase from 26.5MW in 2015 to 18 700MW by 20401. The substantial increase in new electricity loads from Low Carbon Technologies (LCT) such as heat pumps for heating and electric vehicles for transport coupled with the new generation will create thermal and voltage challenges for the management of high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) networks. Distribution network operators (DNO) must connect the new LCTs to facilitate customers’ transition to a low carbon future, whilst maintaining statutory voltages, reducing network losses, managing power quality and, against a backdrop of increasing energy bills, help reduce costs to customers. DNOs would have historically employed traditional reinforcement to address the problems created by new LCTs, this option is no longer appropriate due to the high cost and associated disruption.