UK Power Networks has released 650MVA of additional electricity network capacity through its Load Blinding programme, allowing customers to connect faster and at lower costs.
The technology has already been successfully deployed at 22 key substations, releasing capacity equivalent to 380,000 homes, making the grid smarter and ready for the energy future.
Load Blinding gives the network better visibility, allowing it to tell the difference between a genuine fault and a safe, high-load situation. This smarter approach means more of the existing network can be used, safely releasing capacity that would otherwise be held back. The investments have seen automated technology installed at 22 substations to enhance the systems already in place, both modernising the approach whilst retaining resilience.
For customers, this means quicker and cheaper connections, especially for renewable generators and high-demand projects like EV charging hubs or new housing developments. By unlocking capacity already available within the network, UK Power Networks can connect more low-carbon technologies sooner and support growing electricity demand. This is a key enabler to the 2030 target for generation within UK Power Networks’ area, which NESO has targeted at 8,100MW or 22% of generation needed on distribution networks by 2030.
As demand for connections continues to grow, innovative initiatives like Load Blinding are helping UK Power Networks support the transition to Net Zero by unlocking capacity more quickly and cost effectively than traditional network reinforcement alone.
Daniel Saker, head of network strategy at UK Power Networks DSO, said, “Load Blinding demonstrates how smarter network operation can deliver real benefits for customers. By unlocking hidden capacity within our existing network, we’re helping renewable energy projects, housing developments and EV infrastructure connect sooner, while reducing the need for costly reinforcement. It’s a practical example of how we’re supporting Net Zero by making the best use of the network we already have.”
Rob Denman, managing director at PACE, said, “We welcome the introduction of the load blinding detection programme by UK Power Networks as a practical solution to unlock capacity in constrained network areas and maximise existing infrastructure. It’s encouraging to see upgrades delivered proactively ahead of customer connections, which support delivery timelines and reduce curtailment risk. We look forward to UK Power Networks maintaining momentum and providing visibility of progress, so we can plan with confidence.”
