4.2.2Step 2: Monitoring at allvoltage levelsWe use our scenario forecastingand modelling to identify likely futurenetwork constraints; however, asidefrom very small assets, which cannotaccommodate even one LCT, we planon using our forecasting and modellingto identify where to install monitoringdevices to provide greater certainty inwhere to reinforce; particularly on theLow Voltage (LV) network where wehave very little monitoring currently.We can then use the real time datafrom the devices to closely monitorload growth and optimally triggerinvestment decisions. Monitoring willalso enable the roll out of customer andnetwork flexibility, greater data analyticscapability and provide improved assetcondition information. Without thisinformation, we will have to makeconservative assumptions ultimatelyleading to higher overall investmentcosts.In the future, if the Department for theEconomy decides to roll out smartmeters across Northern Ireland thesewill provide additional visibility of theLV network which will support networkplanning and operation. However,smart meters are not a replacementfor network monitoring but rathercomplementary. Our DNO colleaguesin GB, who also have a substantialsmart meter penetration, as part oftheir business plans are proposingon average to increase their rollout ofnetwork monitors to approximately 52%of the LV network by 2028.Locally, we believe that a targetedcoverage of 50% of our LV networkin RP7 (2031) will ensure that we areable to identify most of the networkconstraints and proactively addressthem in the right time and at the rightcost. However, it is likely that in somecircumstances network constraintscould materialise in areas with nomonitoring as customers connect LCTsfaster than our forecasts suggest.In this scenario the local customersare likely to receive significantly moreoutages until we react to upgrade thelocal network – this could take severalmonths.Q4. Do you think fitting monitorson 50% of our LV network isappropriate or should we aim forhigher?As reference, moving to 100%coverage – which would furtherimprove our ability to keep ahead ofinvestment needs on the LV network– would increase our baseline costs,adding around 57 pence to the averageannual domestic electricity bill duringRP7. For our commercial customersthis represents an annual amountbetween £2.35 for a small businessand £35 for a medium business.Appendix 2 includes a summary tableoutlining the bill impact associated withthese questions for all categories ofcustomer including Large Energy Users(LEUs).We also recognise that the dataobtained from monitoring devicescan be of significant value to ourstakeholders, so where we can, wewill make it ‘open’ and available for useby others.Q5. Have a look at our proof ofconcept ‘Open Data Portal’ andlet us know what you think.NIE Networks’ Open Data PortalRP7 Stakeholder Consultation25
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