Dear Stakeholders, welcome to our March newsletter.
Last week, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) cleared the acquisition of an 88% shareholding in Electricity North West by Iberdrola, S.A., through its subsidiary Scottish Power, making it the second largest distribution network operator in the UK, delivering electricity to around 12 million people across a network spanning more than 170,000 kilometers. We now embark on a new journey as part of the Iberdrola/Scottish Power family. Read the full press release HERE.
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In this month's newsletter, it's your last chance to register for our bi-annual Distribution System Operation Voice of the North West conference, taking place on 3 April at The Lowry Hotel where this always popular event focuses on co-developing our DSO strategy, flexibility and data. Find out about our exciting guest speakers below.
We have an important request to our partners to spread the word about the upcoming Radio Teleswitch Service switch off. The RTS is a service that produces the radio signal to household meters that have off peak tariffs but are not smart meters. It is provided by your electricity supplier. On 30 June 2025 the service will be switched off. Read our guidance below for what this means to those affected. We appeal to our partners to help inform their communities.
We also share details of some important upcoming Connections themed webinars including our Low Voltage Distributed Generation workshop, our ICP and IDNO workshop and our Connections Reform open forum. There's also a new Innovation CoolDown project webinar following last month's introduction, this session will focus on the wider learnings, a 'show & tell’ and the final presentation of results from the latest phase of the project.
It is also the final call for your organisation to register its expression of interest to help provide additional help to support our customers. Our Extra Care Partnership Fund will close its expressions of interest from charities and local organisations on 31 March.
Plus a roundup of the latest ENWL and partner news. |
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Best wishes, the Stakeholder Engagement Team |
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| Last chance to register for our Distribution System Operation Voice of the North West conference on 3 April! |
Mark your calendars for 3 April 2025. Electricity North West is hosting an interactive event at the The Lowry Hotel focused on co-developing our Distribution System Operation (DSO) strategy. |
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This year’s conference will provide a national perspective on the evolving energy system while exploring regional opportunities for the North West and the role of DSOs in network planning, market development, and meeting stakeholder needs. We will also discuss the growing importance of ensuring that the transition is fair and benefits all. We want you to delve into key topics to shape the future of DSOs.
Speakers include: |
- Ian Smyth, CEO, ENWL – Welcome Address
- Fintan Slye, CEO, NESO
- Margaret Read, Director of Policy, National Infrastructure Commission
- Marzia Zafar, Deputy Director, Digitalisation & Innovation, Ofgem
- Harrison Leaf, Head of Data & Implementation, Electron
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Date: 3 April 2025 Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm Location: The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Pl, Salford M3 5LH Lunch and hospitality provided followed by a networking and drinks reception at 3:00pm. Secure your free place today. |
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Radio Teleswitch Service switch off |
We need your help to raise awareness about the upcoming switch-off of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) on June 30, 2025. Introduced in the 1980s, RTS manages electricity meters by sending radio signals to switch between peak (expensive) and off-peak (cheaper) rates, helping customers save money. It also controls heating and hot water systems to operate during off-peak times. Why is RTS Being Switched Off - The RTS service is reaching the end of its operational life, and the equipment can no longer be maintained. |
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Without the RTS signal, systems may become unpredictable, potentially not working or turning on/off at incorrect times.
Impact on Households - Households using RTS meters may be affected. Suppliers will contact customers to inform them about the switch-off and the need to upgrade to smart meters to avoid disruptions. Call to Action - Please help spread the word to ensure your service users/customers respond to supplier correspondence regarding the RTS switch-off and necessary meter upgrades.
For more information, visit our website at Radio Teleswitch Service. Our dedicated support document can be found HERE. Or visit Ofgem at ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/replacing-your-radio-teleswitch-electricity-meter. |
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| Electricity North West important upcoming webinars about Connections |
Please join us for a number of upcoming webinars from Electricity North West on connections, including low voltage distribution generation, flexibility services, G5 harmonic guidance, industry reform of the connections process, market insights, Independent Connection Provider & Independent Distribution Network Operator advice and much more. |
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Low Voltage Distributed Generation workshop |
This webinar is open to all stakeholders who participate in connecting Distributed Generation systems onto Electricity North West’s Low Voltage network, for example installers of PV and battery systems onto residential / commercial / industrial premises. Typically these will be connections below 300kW in size. Date: Monday 31 March 2025 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Microsoft Teams |
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Independent Connection Provider & Independent Distribution Network Operator workshop |
This webinar is open to all ICPs and IDNOs who work in the North West. Electricity North West will provide an update on our teams, our flexibility service offerings, connections reform and a number of other general updates to be aware of. There will also be the opportunity to ask the team any questions. We look forward to welcoming you. Date: Monday 31 March 2025
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: Microsoft Teams |
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Connections Reform and the associated restructuring of the Connections Pipeline open forum |
Join this open forum drop-in session that will look to provide a regular update on Connections Reform. We will delve in to the related methodologies and process changes that are associated with the industry reform of the Connections Pipeline, and provide stakeholders with the opportunity to ask questions and to collaborate with Electricity North West and fellow stakeholders alike. Date: Tuesday 8 April 2025 (and every three weeks)
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Location: Microsoft Teams |
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Electricity North West: CoolDown Alpha Results and Learnings |
CoolDown is exploring the impact of cooling on network capacity by producing improved uptake and demand projections and developing novel commercial models to incentivise and unlock space-cooling flexibility to reduce network reinforcement requirements and optimise value for customers.
Join us for a 'show-and-tell' webinar on Electricity North West's CoolDown Project. This webinar will share results and learnings from the Alpha phase of the project, which included work to: |
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Model the impact of current and projected domestic and commercial buildings space cooling uptake at the distribution network level
- Explore domestic space cooling uptake and flexibility potential via interviews and surveys
- Develop commercial arrangements to incentivise demand response from space cooling and design a high-level process for trialling them with customers
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Model the network and consumer benefits achievable from unlocking space cooling demand response.
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Date: Tuesday 29 April 2025 Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Location: Microsoft Teams |
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| Final call to register your expression of interest for the 2025/26 Partnership Fund
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The Electricity North West Extra Care Partnership Fund expressions of interest will close on 31 March. Our mission is to collaborate in identifying and supporting households that may struggle during power cuts. |
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We are also seeking partners to help our customer teams enhance their understanding and support for service users before, during, and after power cuts through a little Extra Care.
To learn more and join us in making a difference, please contact our Customer Inclusion Team at Partnerships@enwl.co.uk to request our Expression of Interest Form before the deadline on 31 March. |
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| Electricity North West successfully demonstrates industry leading region-wide Active Network Management System |
Electricity North West has achieved a significant milestone with the successful live demonstration of its Active Network Management (ANM) system. |
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This accomplishment paves the way for streamlined connection processes and enhanced network management capabilities set to launch in the first quarter of 2025.
The implementation ANM in the North West of England is pivotal in Electricity North West's Distribution System Operation transition, enabling the optimised use of paid flexible services, Electricity North West-owned network assets, and flexible connections under distribution network constraints.
In collaboration with Schneider Electric, Electricity North West's ANM system is the market-leading network constraint manager, seamlessly integrated into the existing Network Management System (NMS). By harnessing a real-time network topology model, the ANM system eliminates communication latencies, delivering efficient instructions and maximising the use of Distributed Energy Resources while preserving existing network assets. Read more HERE. | |
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You can keep-up-to-date with the latest news and opinions from across the organisation and energy industry here. |
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