First live Voltage Matters Forum focuses on growing voltage control problems – and how to solve them

Low carbon technologies (LCTs) are causing growing problems with voltages, power quality and harmonics. And solutions are available to tackle them. But DNOs need to accept the well-proven business and regulatory cases for deploying them.

These were among the key takeaways from the first live Voltage Matters Forum, hosted by Fundamentals at the IET in Birmingham on July 3.

Nearly 80 delegates enjoyed presentations from a wide range of perspectives on voltages, from BEAMA, IET, Electricity North West, Northern Powergrid, IMServ Europe, Threepwood Consulting, Energy Networks Association, EA Technology, SP Energy Networks and Fundamentals.

Invaluable experience

Nick Hayler, presenter and BEAMA Director of Member Services and Head of Building Electrical Systems, called the day “an invaluable experience.”

He added: “The event brought together industry leaders, technical experts and policymakers, creating an environment rich in knowledge sharing and collaboration.

“We highly recommend the Voltage Matters Forum to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of voltage management and to engage with the leading minds shaping the future of our industry.”

Delegates discussed concerns over increasing breaches of voltage limits that are statutory, rather than for guidance. These are leading to growing network failures, customer complaints and the spectre of tough regulatory sanctions.

DNOs must act NOW

There was widespread agreement that DNOs need to ramp up deployment of the available voltage control solutions immediately, rather than waiting for changes in standards, which are expected to make some of them mandatory.

But the forum identified powerful voices within the industry who are stuck with “an analogue mindset in a sector which needs to go digital” and are actively resisting change.