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cause. On installation, the problem was immediately found and the fault rectified within two days." Automated systems Electricity North West's network systems manager, Mark Mercer says it has been investing in highly-automated networks with the aim of improving reliability and reducing power cuts. "Our newest systems span onto the low voltage (LV) network increasing the level of automated restoration and further reduce the number and impact of power cuts," says Mercer. "Focusing on automated systems ensures supplies can be restored in a matter of minutes, sav - ing on the need for personal visits which leads to quicker restoration times for customers. "Additionally, we are adding further information-collecting nodes. The nodes collate and send regular information informing us of what is happening with the system during a particular fault allowing our control room to effect prompt restoration. "As previously mentioned, we've worked hard over the last five years with a specialist team to develop a low voltage reclosing device," he adds. "More recently, we're now trans - ferring this same principle on to our high voltage overhead network, which again will allow us to quickly identify actual fault locations." Mercer adds that Electricity North West is also introducing a new network management system later this year into its control room, which will help "refine how we improve the reliability of our network". NETWORK / 21 / JULY/AUGUST 2019 "This will be our pivotal system, which manages the reliability of our network," Mercer explains. "We are keeping a close eye on AI and how it may impact in the future, but currently it isn't on our short- term horizon." The role of transformers In terms of other pieces of hard- ware, transformers can play a big role in power outages. Barry Menzies, head of transformer fluids at Midel, says while there is increasing demand for electrical power in the UK, there DIGITALISATION TRANSITION TO DSO