energy networks association looking beyond the problem david smith utility arboriculture group...

Energy Networks Association

Looking Beyond the Problem

David Smith

Utility Arboriculture Group

Conference July 2011

1 | Energy Networks Association

Vegetation Management

Summary

ENA – Function, members

Current and Future Issues and Challenges

Vegetation Management- Regulation- Engineering & Network Performance- Safety Challenges

Conference Programme

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Energy Networks Association

What is ENA - What do we do?- Industry Body for UK and Ireland Energy Networks- Transmission and Distribution licence holders- Gas and Electricity- Range from Large International to Independent- Mainly Regulated Businesses

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Electricity Members

Gas Members

Energy Networks Association

ENA Represents members interests, including in Europe- Regulation, legislation, increasingly EU driven.- Engineering, key standards in Electricity- Safety, Health and Environment- GISG

Energy Networks Association

Current and Coming Issues- Climate Change, increase in renewable energy- Increase in Nuclear Power- Increased reliance on Networks- Electric Vehicles, massive increase planned- The Smart Network!

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Energy Networks Association

This Decade Transmission Rebuild

2020 Onwards Distribution Rebuild

Needed to facilitate Smarter Grids

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The Smart Network

The smart network will see the distribution system move from a passive (one way) power flow to an active (two way) system where the customer can export (sell back) additional energy they do not need.

Source: European CommissionEuropean SmartGrids Technology Platform

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Energy Networks Association

Scale of Reinforcement required is huge- £200 billion over next few decades- Requires Networks to get “Smart” and more active- Better Data gathering & communication required- Generation Availability & Load Management

A key part of Smart Networks is Smart Metering

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UK Smart Metering ProgrammeMandated -

Smart Metering roll out

programme

Supplier led delivery

Largest project ever

undertaken within our industry

29 million homes to be visited

54 million meters to be changed (homes and businesses)

Mass roll out to start in the

second Q of 2014

Anticipated programme

completion by 2019

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The System

May 20118| Energy Networks Association

Energy Networks Association

Other Challenges we face:- Adaptation of The Industry to Climate Change- Carbon Capture – Gas Industry expertise- Skills Existing and New – NS Academy for Power- Estimated 9,000 new staff required in Electricity

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Energy Networks Association

Steady Improvement in accident rate since Privatisation- BUT! We must never be complacent- The Hazards remain the same- They must continue to be controlled- Improvements more challenging

Powering Improvement, 5 year H&S initiative

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Powering Improvement

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Metal Theft

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Vegetation Management

How does VM fit into all this?

Three Interrelated Aspects- Regulation- Engineering, (Customer Service, Network Performance) - Health Safety and Environment

ENA serves it members ultimately it is member led- Common position on many issues, not all- ENA seeks common approach but cannot impose

VM - Regulation

ESQC Regulations General Duty- Maintain line clearances for Public Safety- ENA TS 43-08 OHL Clearances – defines clearances

ESQCR Amended 2006 – Specific Duty – Reg. 20A- Maintain clearances to avoid contact causing interruptions- Duty is qualified – so far as is reasonably practicable

VM - Regulation

Expectations from Regulators:- Management and Inspection Programmes to be set up- Programmes to be kept up to date by January 2009- Standards to be set, Best Practice to be carried out- Communicate with stakeholders

In Recognition of ESQC 2006

- Ofgem Increased Allowance for VM

VM Regulation

Electricity Act 1989 (As Amended) Schedule 4 Para 9

Gives Network Operators power to fell or lop trees- Where they could become a source of Danger or- Where they interfere with the line- Sets out Process and conditions- Simple then?

VM Regulation

Statutory Powers are fine in theory but- Risk of Wayleave Loss- Access problems- Adverse publicity- The Power of Complaints

Engineering

- ETR 136 – VM Near Electricity Equipment- ETR 132 – Risk Based VM in Abnormal Weather- ER G55 – Safe Tree Working in The Proximity of OHL- WG Developing Guidance on Mechanical Harvesters

Companies have also produced own procedures etc.

As well as TS 43-08 other ENA “Standards” Play a Key Role:

Change since 2006

Increased Activity- Expenditure allowed increased by 31% on average- Is it enough?

Are Company Networks now Compliant?- Allowing for “So far as is reasonably practicable”- Increase in VM work adjacent to key circuits- HV and EHV Networks most straightforward- LV Networks most challenging?

Health Safety and Environment

VM hazards are potentially severe- Working at height, Chainsaws, Felling trees, Rough terrain, Electricity- Harsh environment, Heavy machinery, winches, lifting

Health Safety and Environment

More Severe hazards require tighter controls- DNOs experienced in managing severe hazards- DNOs keen to work with UAG to reduce incident rates- Feedback from the Safety Summit later today

Health Safety and Environment

ENA - UAG Joint short term joint goal:- Eliminate Fatalities and serious injuries- Reduce rates to parity with low hazard activities

In longer term - strive towards zero incidents

In addition to tightening existing controls,

Consider new approaches

Greater use of Harvesters, shrouding? And ..... ?

Between us- We know Networks - You know Trees- If we can’t crack this no-one can!

A Varied Conference

Some other things you will be hearing about:• Benchmarking• How do others do it• ER G55/2 – what difference has it made?• How can you use plant more effectively?• Trees and biomass for energy• Guaranteed service standards• “Doing” VM environmentally

Should be stimulating!

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And Finally!

Ideally what the industry wants from VM:• Do it safely• Ensure the safety of the public and third parties• Eliminate damage and faults from Vegetation• A fair allowance from Ofgem• Do the work efficiently• Minimise Customer Interruptions• Keep Landowners happy• Minimise impact on Environment

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