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UTILITY WEEK | 10TH - 16TH APRIL 2015 | 25 Operations & Assets There are five key features that networks must consider in the successful transition from distribution network operator to distribution system operator. • Visibility – monitoring across the network to help inform some of the gaps that we may have from smart metering data. • Controllability – the enhancement of existing automation in order to cope with the increasing bi- direction of power flow in the infrastructure, control of reactive power and voltage on the system, as well as the traditional power flows. • Intelligence – the use of visibility and controllability to make greater use of the available capacity. • Interoperability – the development of common standards across the network to allow for faster integration and greater sharing of data. • Commercial mechanisms – new arrangements will be needed with network users to provide greater flexibility to manage the system at a more dynamic rate. These commercial mechanisms could include demand response, network management, interoperable contracts with customers, and voltage control. Martin Hill, future networks manager, Scottish Power Five key points 1. The energy networks must be flexible and adapt to future challenges. 2. The networks must establish a new kind of relationship with customers and encourage them to engage more with the energy market. 3. Data and infor- mation from new technologies must be managed to extract value. 4. Customers who can benefit the most from new technolo- gies are the fuel poor and vulnerable. They must be encouraged to adopt such tech- nology. 5. The industry, government and stakeholders must collaborate to guar- antee a successful transformation of our energy system. Features of the future network Simon Brooke smart metering programme manager, Electricity North West "When you want to put your network back together because of a fault, you need to make sure demand on the network isn't above the capacity of the assets you currently have. The simple principle of capacity to customers is not asking for a demand response system normal, but for a demand response system abnormal." Roger Hey future networks manager, Western Power Distribution "It's a business revo- lution for a DNO. Not having a relationship with customers – this is a new dimen- sion – it's a different type of relationship when you're talking about demand-side response." Nigel Fox energy demand manager, National Grid "Some new technolo- gies and generators can provide primary response a lot quicker than 30 seconds. Some can do it in five seconds. There's no reason an interconnector could not provide a service in as little as two sec- onds. The faster you can provide a service, the less product you need." The future of networks is on the agenda at Utility Week Live incorporating Iwex. Register now for your free place: www.utilityweeklive.co.uk