There is a growing need for Network Operators to rethink how they schedule and communicate network outages from the rise of Distributed Energy Resources (DER's) connected to the grid. A lack of two-way communication with DER customers around planned outages can result in significant financial losses for the end customer, alongside the impact on customer satisfaction. Internally within the Network Operator, creating planned outages in a silo without clear communication and transparency across teams can lead to inefficiencies that impact both time and cost of work. Typically, outages are required to safely connect new assets, replace previous ones, fix faults, and provide general maintenance to existing assets.
Growing Relevance of Robust Outage Planning and Scheduling
In the UK, the Regulator Ofgem is putting clear guidance on the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to improve how they communicate outages with their customers. For example, Ofgem has shared a recent requirement with all DNO's asking for improved data sharing for network outages, detailed in the 'Key Enablers for DSO programme of work and the Long Term Development Statement' distributed in August last year.
Alongside the message from Ofgem, the Solar Trade Association released an article stating, "Constraints on PV generation enacted by distribution network operators (DNOs), typically caused by planned maintenance works, have been the most significant cause of lost production for solar farms and, as a result, the STA noted these were equivalent to around £10 million in lost revenues across the sector each year between 2015 and 2017."
In this context, it is becoming increasingly important for DNO's to manage communication with renewable energy generators connected to their network.
CyiOPS: Ideally Placed to Help DNO's Plan, Schedule, and Communicate Network Outages
CyiOPS, Cyient's Outage planning platform, is designed to address the challenges described above. It automates and standardizes the complex internal approval processes required to plan network outages, enabling planners to schedule multiple outages on the network efficiently. Furthermore, the customer portal creates dynamic real-time communication between the DNO and the end customer (Generation, HV, and Domestic) to view, accept, or decline outages that will affect them during peak generation or demand periods. CyiOPS also allows end-customers to request an outage when required.
A SaaS-based platform, CyiOPS brings the outage planning and approval process into one central location. This ensures improved information flow between different departments, ensuring increased operational efficiency and more informed decision-making.
Possibly the most significant advantage of Cyient's CyiOPS solution is that it provides real-time information on planned outages and their status to relevant third parties.
At Cyient, we are committed to addressing the pain points of our customers. CyiOPS is a case in point. The new-age Outage Planning and Scheduling System is based on our deep understanding, expertise, and years of experience working with global utility and infrastructure firms. CyiOPS is perfectly placed to empower DNOs to improve customer and stakeholder engagement while reducing costs associated with Network Outages.
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