CA236 Review of NIE’s Distribution Network Losses and DLAFs

Tender description

Northern Ireland Electricity Limited (NIE) owns the regulated electricity transmission and distribution network in Northern Ireland through which it distributes electricity to approximately 850,000 customers. It is responsible for the planning, development, construction and maintenance of the entire network as well as the control and operation of the distribution network. NIE has an obligation as the meter data provider to send customer consumption data to the Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO) for their calculation of energy charges to suppliers. Distribution Loss Adjustment Factors (DLAF) are applied by NIE to the consumption volumes to reflect the equivalent energy requirements (i.e. customer consumption plus losses) of each supplier at the energy trading point. NIE has published average DLAFs for customer and generator connections to the LV, HV (11kV and 6.6kV) and EHV (33kV) networks in the NIE Statement of Charges for use of the NIE Electricity Distribution System by Authorised Persons. To ensure NIE’s calculation of DLAFs are appropriate going forward, NIE require new load flow studies to assess the losses associated with each voltage level and the impact of generator connections on NIE’s network losses. NIE also wish to explore the potential to adopt site specific DLAFs for generator connections in Northern Ireland. NIE (the Client) wishes to invite competitive bids from suitably qualified providers for the provision of consultancy services. The services relate to the provision of technical expertise relevant for the calculation of network losses and DLAFs. This is a framework contract for three years with an optional extension for up to a further two years, entirely at the discretion of NIE. A framework contract does not guarantee specific volumes of work.