National Grid DSO publishes largest network dataset to speed up connections

National Grid’s Distribution System Operator (DSO) has published its largest and most detailed release of network data to date, in a move it says will help customers and developers assess where and how to connect new local energy projects more quickly and cost-effectively.

The new dataset covers all of National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Grid Supply Points (GSPs), with granular information for 2,541 substations and 6,471 branches over the past year – more than 150 million individual data points made publicly available. National Grid DSO describes it as the most comprehensive drop of network data it has released so far.

The information is intended to give newly connecting customers the ability to carry out their own assessment of potential curtailment before applying for a flexible connection using National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Active Network Management (ANM) system. It can also be used once a connection offer has been made, to better understand the commercial and technical implications of different connection options.

Phil Moseley, Head of System Models and Data at National Grid DSO, commented, “This is our biggest network data release to date. It represents a major step forward in giving customers the information and visibility they need to make informed decisions when connecting to our network.

“Greater transparency is essential for accelerating the energy transition and delivering better prices to consumers, so we remain committed to providing high-quality, accessible data that supports better decision-making for everyone involved.

“By making this level of detail available, we’re helping customers to assess their options earlier, reduce uncertainty and progress sites that are right for them and right for the network.”

According to National Grid DSO, the dataset is designed to be used by a wide range of stakeholders, from developers of large-scale generation and storage projects to those working on smaller, local energy schemes. By surfacing historic and modelled network behaviour at this level of detail, the company argues that customers will be able to identify locations where flexible connections are more likely to be viable, and where constraints could limit export or import.

To help stakeholders make practical use of the data, a newly formed curtailment team within the DSO has produced detailed guidance explaining how to navigate, interpret and apply the dataset. That guidance sets out the assumptions behind the modelling and the ANM systems it represents, with the aim of ensuring the information is accessible and robust rather than simply a large data dump.

The dataset is now available via the National Grid website. Alongside the raw data and documentation, stakeholders can also access a recording of a recent DSO ‘Data Deep Dive’ session, which walks through the latest release and demonstrates how it can be used to inform connection decisions.