Ofgem has launched a consultation on what it says will be a "key enabler" in networks' ongoing evolution into distribution system operators: the format and content of electricity networks' long term development statements (LTDS).
Networks are required to published details LTDSs each year as part of their licence requirements.
The documents detail the current state of their network infrastructure, and their future plans and forecasts - information that project developers or renewables generators rely on in drawing up their own schemes.
The regulator says that updating the format of the LTDS to reflect their role in underpinning "smart" networks and improving the type and level of forecasts "will stimulate growth in flexibility markets".
Ofgem is also setting up a working group to debate the future format of the LTDS documents, which are required under standard licence condition 25 (SLC25) and must be updated on an annual basis.
We expect that implementing better data practices into the LTDS will improve the value ultimately realised by consumers delivered by network forecasting and planning data
Ofgem
A typical LTDS forecasts demand, generation and distributed energy resources (DER), analyses DER hosting capacity, and set out operational procedures and future plans on distribution and connection.
Networks host them on their websites, although anyone seeking access to the full data must typically request a password.
A key aspect of the update, Ofgem says, will be to reflect networks' and DSOs' greater responsibilities on data management, data interoperability and cyber security in their future LTDSs.
This aspect of the consultation picks up one aspect a key recommendation of the Energy Data Taskforce, which published its report in June.
In its introduction to the consultation, Ofgem says: "We expect that implementing better data practices into the LTDS will improve the value ultimately realised by consumers delivered by network forecasting and planning data".
"As the energy system continues digitalise, we expect to take further regulatory actions to ensure key enablers for DSO are put in place, and that DSO functions effectively make their contribution to modernising energy data".
But the consultation has a wide focus, with Ofgem seeking stakeholders' views on "energy networks, energy flexibility, whole systems approaches to energy management, digital data and technology (DDaT), cyber security, and telecoms".
It is seeking view on the
• scope of the form of statement
• format of the form of statement
• heatmaps, direct needs identification and hosting capacity
• forecasting of network needs
• IDNOs and the LTDS
• delivery governance of the form of statement
On the data theme, Ofgem adds: "Action is needed now to unlock the value of data for market participants and to improve the quality of data that is available to meet the needs of its users".
The consultation closes on 7 February and the online portal for responses is linked here.
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