Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution published its Whole System Register on 13 June 2022, setting out the activities it carries out with other network businesses, local authorities, wider industry and users to deliver net zero1.
The register draws together that work for the first time and sets out the full portfolio of SSEN's innovation and business as usual activities, which the company says are helping to build the technology, services and expertise to deliver net zero1. SSEN states that renewable electricity generation and the uptake of low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps are posing new demands on the network, and that it is adopting a "whole systems" approach to coordinate with stakeholders throughout and beyond the energy sector1. Identifying synergies with third parties, it says, builds opportunities to deliver cost-effective and timely decarbonisation1.
SSEN's priorities for net zero are set out in its RIIO-ED2 Business Plan for 2023 to 2028, published at the end of 20211. The plan carries four commitments: to deliver a safe, resilient and responsive network; to provide a valued and trusted service for customers and communities; to accelerate progress towards net zero; and to make a positive impact on society1. The innovation projects in the Whole System Register will facilitate those commitments, according to the company1.
Adam Bain, Strategic Lead for DSO at SSEN, said:
"The Whole System Register will be a powerful tool for stakeholders who want to understand our role in reaching net zero and how they can work with us. Cross-sector collaboration can secure efficiencies in the roll out of infrastructure to support decarbonisation and the transparency that this Register offers is a crucial part of that."
He added that the register has a feedback section so stakeholders have clear channels to share their priorities, and that SSEN is looking forward to increasing dialogue with them1.
SSEN describes itself as the electricity Distribution Network Operator responsible for delivering power to over 3.8 million homes and businesses across central southern England and the north of Scotland1. The register itself is published on SSEN's website1.
Why it matters for households
The register is a transparency document rather than a change to any household's supply. Its relevance lies in what it discloses about the network that sits behind the meter. SSEN states that renewable generation and the uptake of electric vehicles and heat pumps are placing new demands on its network1, which is the same network that carries electricity to homes in central southern England and the north of Scotland1. The activities listed in the register are the ones SSEN says are intended to build the technology, services and expertise to meet that demand1.
For a household considering low carbon technologies, the register sets out where SSEN says it is working with third parties, including local authorities and wider industry, and where stakeholders can engage1. The company's stated aim is that cross-sector collaboration secures efficiencies in rolling out infrastructure for decarbonisation1. Whether that translates into faster connections, different charges or changed capacity in any particular area is not reported in the announcement. The register covers SSEN's own activities and does not set out costs, timelines or outcomes for individual homes1.
The wider context is the national supply picture: the register concerns distribution network activity, not generation or retail supply.
What happens next
SSEN states that the register will be updated annually, with regular assessments made throughout the year to ensure relevant recommendations from stakeholders are captured1. No dates for the first annual update have been reported1.