As a distribution network operator, Northern Powergrid is committed to facilitating the delivery of the low carbon economy. Increasing amounts of renewable generation are being connected directly to the distribution network. Many customers are installing their own generation with the expectation that they will be able to export excess electricity to the network. The networks are getting smarter in order to deal with the issues created. Smart meters and electric vehicles will also bring their own challenges.
But in addition to assisting others to reduce their impact on greenhouse gas emissions, we are working to put our own house in order. We are measuring our own carbon footprint and taking steps to continually reduce it. The documents below report on our progress. We shall continually improve the nature of our reporting and undertake initiatives to make further reductions.
Northern Powergrid's 2009 sustainability report and the carbon footprint 2009 report cover Northern Powergrid's licence areas, IUS and related corporate activities. Under a licence condition applying from 2010, Northern Powergrid is required annually to report to Ofgem and make public their carbon footprint. To ensure comparability between distribution businesses, the latter includes carbon emissions resulting from use of fuel by contractors working directly on the licensees’ behalf. There are therefore some differences to the figures between the Ofgem report and the Northern Powergrid sustainability report.