Curtailment and DERMS
We’re using the Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS) to monitor grid conditions and automatically manage flexible connections, helping to keep the network running smoothly while maximising capacity.
The Connections Lab
Discover our new Connections Lab app, designed to provide a transparent and user-friendly approach to assessing curtailment risks for flexible connections. Developed in collaboration with customers, the app opens up our network data, offering insights into potential curtailment levels and visibility of the connection queue at each grid supply point.
This self-serve tool empowers users to explore scenarios, adjust assumptions, and strategically plan their connections, saving time and resources. Available now in Beta, we’re actively seeking feedback to refine the app throughout 2025. Visit the app today and see how it can support your projects.
Curtailment Assessment Methodology and Assumptions
Since the start of our Flexible Connection offering in 2019, we have been issuing curtailment assessment reports at the connection offer stage to provide a view on the expected level of curtailment a site might be subject to whilst in operation.
We have now updated the tool used to produce curtailment estimates to facilitate an open and transparent approach to providing curtailment information. This document details the methodology and summarises the assumptions taken as part of the curtailment assessment studies.
Non-firm Access Products
A range of non-firm access products (curtailable, flexible, profiled etc.) is available to support efficient connections to the grid while managing network constraints. These products are designed to address specific challenges, such as thermal constraints, voltage issues, or curtailment management, enabling tailored solutions for diverse energy projects.
Overview of non-firm access products
Technical arrangement that allows DER triggering thermal (export and/or import) network constraints to connect to the distribution network ahead of network reinforcement. Accepting their output will be curtailed operationally at times of network congestion, by UK Power Networks DERMS. You can find more information here.
Technical and Commercial arrangement, that allows DER triggering distribution thermal (import and/or export) network constraints, applying after 1st of April 2023, to connect to the distribution network ahead of distribution network reinforcement. Accepting their output will be curtailed operationally at times of network congestion, by UK Power Networks DERMS.
Curtailable Connections comes with a Curtailment Limit and Curtailment End Date under Ofgem’s Access Significant Code Review (SCR). This supersedes the ‘Flexible Connection’ product; however, Flexible Connections are still being offered to customers triggering transmission-only constraints. You can find more information here.
Technical arrangement that allows demand sites triggering thermal import constraint to connect to the distribution network ahead of network reinforcement. Accepting that operationally their output might be reduced down to a predefined fixed profile by UK Power Networks DERMS. This product is launching in 2025, for more information please email: NetworkAccess@ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Technical arrangement that allows DER triggering a steady state overvoltage constraint to connect to the distribution network deferring the need for network reinforcement. Accepting to operate at a certain power factor at times when voltages exceed the allowed limits specified in Security and Quality of Supply Standards (SQSS). Power Factor instruction is issued by UK Power Networks DERMS. This product is launching in 2025, for more information please email: NetworkAccess@ukpowernetworks.co.uk
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