National Grid’s Distribution System Operator (DSO) has launched a new self-serve curtailment estimation tool, giving customers faster, more accessible insight into the potential levels of curtailment when connecting to the network. The tool forms part of a continued commitment to empower customers through the connections journey.
National Grid DSO offer Flexible and Curtailable connections, facilitated by its Active Network Management (ANM) system, to allow customers to connect to the network faster and at a lower cost.
Previously, customers were required to submit connection applications without any knowledge of potential levels of curtailment and had to specifically request a curtailment report.
The Curtailment Estimator addresses this gap by delivering instant, user-friendly access to both high‑level and technical curtailment insights, eliminating delays, strengthening investor confidence, and allowing customers to tailor insights according to their risk profile.
The Curtailment Estimator is also one of the DSO’s first cloud-hosted tools. This enables it to use the latest available data, which the DSO uses internally and publishes on its DSO Data Portal.
Will Topping, DSO Curtailment Team Leader at National Grid DSO, said, “Our new tool is about changing the way curtailment insight is accessed and used. By making high‑quality, up‑to‑date analysis available on demand, we’re giving customers the tools they need to move faster with confidence.
“It’s a clear example of how our DSO is modernising through cloud‑based platforms, better use of data and direct customer feedback to support quicker, more efficient connections.”
The curtailment dataset includes the latest connections queue, network data and historic time-series load. Customers will be able to assess their existing applications that have gone through Connections Reform, apply attrition to the connections queue and adjust export capacity to explore different scenarios. Following this, a bespoke curtailment report is produced in less than five minutes.
Developed in response to customer feedback, the tool will continue to be developed, with user insights shaping ongoing improvements. While the initial release covers existing sites with a Gate 2 Connections Reform outcome, a post-beta version is already in development. This will allow customers to carry out curtailment analysis for a new generation connection on any location on the primary network using a postcode.
Philip Bale, Specialist Connections Engineer at Roadnight Taylor, who did early testing on the project, said, “NGED’s Curtailment Estimator is a step forwards in providing visibility around potential curtailment risk using Active Network Management. We support all steps to increase visibility of risk for customers before having to make significant investments in projects. This tool will provide developers with a quick, higher-level understanding of risk, without any charge.
“This will be very helpful in determining some of the key causes of constraint within certain networks and to help understand what may need to change to reduce the risk of constraints with ANM.”
This new self‑serve tool represents an important improvement in the accessibility and clarity of curtailment information. Customers exploring a new connection can use the tool to better understand the potential curtailment scenarios for their chosen location before submitting an application.
Access the Curtailment Estimator here: curtailment.nationalgrid.co.uk
