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