Powering network data

The low carbon transition, new technologies, digitisation and changing customer needs are driving unprecedented change in the way energy is generated and used. It is also driving development of a smarter, more flexible network. Our Distribution Future Energy Scenarios (DFES) are helping us to plan for the future. We have developed an interactive tool that models different low carbon scenarios to understand the impact on our network both now and in the future.

We're publishing our Network Development Plan (NDP), sharing the data we have so far with our stakeholders, allowing you to tell us if it supports your requirements. The objective of the NDP is to inform stakeholders of our plans for interventions, flexibility service requirements, and forecast demand and generation headroom across our distribution network for a range of forecasting scenarios, for the medium to longer-term.

We are consulting with stakeholders on the content of our NDP and inviting feedback.

Find out more about our Network Development Plan - 

• Network Development Plan Methodology 
• Network Development Plan Datasheets
• Generation Thermal Headroom Report
• Thermal Demand Headroom Report

Our AutoDesign tool is powered by real-world data. It gives an unprecedented level of insight and can help you get connected quicker and more easily. By showing the most cost-effective and viable locations to connect to our Low Voltage network and providing free of charge budget estimates in just minutes, AutoDesign is helping our customers, including local authorities, installers, and planners, make more informed decisions about the best locations to install Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers.

Our Embedded Capacity Register (formerly the System Wide Resource Register) provides information and visibility on connected resources and network services. The Embedded Capacity Register is presented in an industry agreed format that was developed by the ENA Open Networks Project and provides information on generation and storage resources of ≥1MW that are connected, or accepted to connect, to our network. The register is updated every month and also contains information on network reinforcement and the flexibility services provided by connected resources. Whilst we have used our reasonable endeavours to ensure that the data contained within the register is accurate, we do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or the completeness of the content or any loss which may arise from reliance on the register and any related information.

 Our Long-Term Development Statement(LTDS) contains network information which can be used when assessing the feasibility of connections to our network.  It helps existing and future customers to assess opportunities available for development projects that need new or additional connections.

Our network availability heat maps can help you make more informed decisions about where to connect. Our Generation Heat Map shows where there is capacity to connect large-scale generation to our network. Our Demand Heat Maps shows where there is capacity for large-scale demand projects. The web view of our heat maps uses a simple green, amber, red traffic light indicator to show network availability. The web view is accompanied by downloadable datasheets which are updated each month and provide a wealth of additional network data, including Appendix G information.

Our Whole Electricity System Co-ordination Register is produced in accordance with our new licence condition (Whole Electricity System Licence D17/7A) and details the activities undertaken through ongoing co-ordination and co-operation with other electricity licensees and system users to advance the efficient and economical operation of our network.

We release data as part of our commitment and involvement in the Energy Networks Association Open Networks initiative.

Our data files contain time series data taken from Northern Powergrid's historian system relating to analogue sensors located at Grid Supply Point substations within our electricity network. The data enables interested parties to gain a greater insight into the capacity available on our network.

See 'Useful Resources' below to access our latest data.