The New Approach to Losses project will investigate the accuracy of the current losses apportionment methodology by using a new approach to calculate and apportion network losses. If the current model is found not to be accurate, then the project will create a new losses apportionment methodology, underpinning engineering models and preparing them to a standard where they can be submitted to Elexon for approval.
The project will either demonstrate that the current losses apportionment methodology produces accurate results or it will produce a new methodology that will gain internal approval for submission to the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) Panel for the project.
The project has completed its first two Work Packages.
In the Engineering Models Work Package, it has been determined that the Engineering Models that are currently used are suitable for use going forward and give an accurate indication of powerflows on the network for use in a losses apportionment methodology. A report has been created discussing these and giving examples of approaches that could increase the accuracy of the modelling in further work in this area.
For the losses apportionment methodology, a new approach has been taken. The existing ‘newLAF’ model was built for a distribution system where, predominantly, power entered from the Transmission system and was consumed by demand customers, leading to a very top-down approach to losses apportionment. For the new model, both upward and downward powerflows were considered. This allows generation driven losses to be accounted for as well as demand driven losses. It means that the methodology is appliable for networks that have demand dominant Grid Supply Points (GSPs) as in the ‘newLAF’ model and also, networks that have generation dominant GSPs, which is an emerging issue in some DNO areas.
£337,500
September 2023 – June 2024
Ross Bibby
