PRODUCED BY THE OPERATIONS DIRECTORATE OF ENERGY NETWORKS ASSOCIATION
Engineering Recommendation P2
Issue 8 2023
Security of Supply
www.energynetworks.org
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Amendments since publication
Issue Date Amendment
Issue 8 February Minor amendment to Table 1 to include the option of reduced security of
2023 supply for specific class of supply B demand groups.
The opportunity has also been taken to correct editorial and cosmetic
details, and to update the Introduction.
Issue 7 August Major revision of Issue 6 to simplify the document and focus content on
2019 defining the minimum level of security of supply that should be
achieved. Amendments made to recognise that customers are
modifying demand in response to market signals, demand side services
contribute to security of supply and the changing nature of distributed
generation. The following principal technical changes have been
completed:
Clause 1, Scope: new wording added to scope to clarify the intent of P2
and the relationship to ENA EREP 130.
Clause 2, Normative references: new clause added.
Clause 3, Terms and definitions: new definitions added for ‘Cold Load
Pickup’, Demand Side Response (DSR)’, ‘Latent Demand’, ‘Measured
Demand’, ‘Network Operator’, ‘Secured Outage’, ‘Transmission System
Operator’.
New Clause 4, Recommended levels of supply.
Clause 5, Capability of a network to meet demand: this clause has been
completely re-written. Tables 2, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3 and 2-4 deleted as specific
contribution from distribution generation is covered by EREP 130.
ENA Engineering Recommendation P2
Issue 8, 2023
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Contents
Foreword ................................................................................................................................ 4
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 5
1 Scope .............................................................................................................................. 5
2 Normative references ....................................................................................................... 5
3 Terms and definitions ....................................................................................................... 6
4 Recommended levels of supply ....................................................................................... 7
5 Capability of a network to meet demand .......................................................................... 8
5.1 General ................................................................................................................... 8
5.2 Capability of Circuits ............................................................................................... 8
5.3 Capability of non-circuit based capacity .................................................................. 8
5.4 Impact of Active Network Management, other control systems or protection
systems .................................................................................................................. 8
5.5 Security contribution from multiple sources ............................................................. 9
Table 1 ................................................................................................................................. 10
Bibliography ......................................................................................................................... 12
ENA Engineering Recommendation P2
Issue 8, 2023
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Foreword
This Engineering Recommendation (EREC) is published by the Energy Networks Association
(ENA) and comes into effect from the date of publishing. It has been prepared under the
authority of the ENA Head of Engineering and has been approved for publication by the
Distribution Code Review Panel (DCRP). The approved abbreviated title of this engineering
document is “EREC P2/8”, which replaces the previously used abbreviation “EREC P2/7”.
Where the term “shall” or “must” is used in this document it means the requirement is
mandatory. The term “should” is used to express a recommendation. The term “may” is
used to express permission.
NOTE: Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in smaller type, and does not
constitute a normative element.
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Issue 8, 2023
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Introduction
This Engineering Recommendation is intended as a guide to system planning – it stipulates
minimum demand to be restored within defined periods of time in different outage scenarios.
Guidance on the means of achieving the prescribed security of supply is set out in ENA
Engineering Report 130 [N1].
The requirements in P2 have been the subject of review in recent years, under the auspices of
the Distribution Code Review Panel. Issue 7 of P2, published in 2019, represented a major
revision to recognise the changes to the load and generation connected to distribution networks
since Engineering Recommendation P2/6 (Issue 6) was published in 2006. In particular, the
changes in Issue 7 recognised that:
• some demand customers are modifying their electricity consumption in response to
market signals; this means that further consideration had to be given to establishing the
true demand on the network;
• in addition to providing security of supply from network assets and distributed generation,
demand side services can also contribute to security of supplies; and
• the nature and type of distributed generation connected to the network mean that their
contribution to security of supplies was different to that in ER P2/6.
Following the publication of Issue 7, further analysis was undertaken which considered the
societal, economic and environmental impact of reductions in security of supply at a GB level.
The conclusion of the analysis was that the minimum security of supply requirements for specific
demand groups in the range ‘over 1 MW and up to 12 MW’ supplied by specific Circuits may be
reduced. This Issue of P2 sets out this reduction and when it may be applicable; ENA
Engineering Report 130 [N1] provides guidance on its implementation.
1 Scope
The purpose of this Engineering Recommendation is to define the standard to which a Group
Demand should be secured. It details the factors that should be taken into consideration to
establish the magnitude of the Group Demand that needs to be secured and also the means of
securing that demand using a combination of network assets and non-network assets. It does
not detail how the DNO should meet the standard, however guidance on the means of achieving
the prescribed security of supply is set out in ENA Engineering Report 130 [N1].
This document does not set out any minimum requirements for the security of supply for
connections to a generating facility. This document deals with the security of a DNO’s
distribution network. It does not apply to the security of the connection between the DNO’s
distribution network and an individual customer, which should be agreed between the DNO and
that customer.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents, in whole or part, are indispensable for the application of
this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the
latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
[N1] ENA Engineering Report (EREP) 130 - Guidance on the application of Engineering
Recommendation P2, Security of Supply.
[N2] ENA Engineering Report (EREP) 131 - Analysis package for assessing generation security
capability – Users’ guide.
[N3] Electricity Act 1989.
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Issue 8, 2023
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3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
Circuit
The part of an electricity supply system between two or more circuit breakers, switches and/or
fuses inclusive. It may include transformers, reactors, cables and overhead lines. Busbars are
not considered as Circuits and are to be considered on their merits.
3.2
Circuit Capacity
The appropriate continuous rating or cyclic rating or, where it can be satisfactorily determined,
the appropriate emergency rating, taking into account the relevant environmental conditions and
the expected demand profile, should be used for all Circuit equipment and associated protection
systems. Circuit Capacity should be assessed in MVA.
3.3
Cold Load Pickup
The difference between the Measured Demand on a Circuit following re-energisation of that
Circuit and the demand on that Circuit which the DNO would have reasonably expected had
no de-energisation occurred.
3.4
Demand Side Response (DSR)
Demand that is controlled in response to an instruction issued as part of an agreed demand side
management arrangement with the DNO or other party.
3.5
Distributed Generation (DG)
A generating facility connected to the distribution network, where a generating facility is an
installation comprising one or more generating units.
3.6
Distribution Network Operator (DNO)
The person or legal entity named in Part 1 of the Distribution Licence and any permitted legal
assigns or successors in title of the named party.
3.7
First Circuit Outage (FCO)
A fault or a pre-arranged Circuit outage.
3.8
Group Demand
The DNO’s estimate of the maximum demand of the group being assessed for EREC P2/8
compliance with appropriate allowance for diversity. When estimating the maximum demand of
the group the DNO should, where necessary, take into consideration (but not be limited to) the
following: the Latent Demand due to DG, the Latent Demand due to DSR, the Latent Demand
due to electricity storage (ES), the effect of Suppliers’ time of use tariffs, the effect of Network
Operator price signals, the effects of Cold Load Pickup and, data granularity implications
(instantaneous peak vs time averaged flow). The Group Demand at grid supply points must be
consistent with the demand data submitted to a transmission company under the terms of the
GB Grid Code [1].
NOTE 1: Further advice on estimating Group Demand is given in ENA EREP 130 [N1].
NOTE 2: Group Demand is the sum of the Latent Demand and the Measured Demand.
NOTE 3: Electricity storage (ES) is a facility connected to the distribution network which, behaves as DG when
exporting power to the distribution system and, behaves as a demand facility when consuming electrical power from
the distribution system (see ENA EREC 130 [N1], Clause 3.12).
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Issue 8, 2023
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3.9
Latent Demand
Demand that would appear as an increase in Measured Demand if the DG was not operating,
the DSR was not implemented or other means (e.g. time of use tariff, export from electricity
storage) of suppressing the Measured Demand within the network (for which the Group
Demand is being assessed) was not operating.
3.10
Measured Demand
Summated demand measured at the normal (network) infeed points to the network for which
Group Demand is being assessed.
3.11
Network Operator
A Distribution Network Operator or a Transmission System Operator.
3.12
Second Circuit Outage (SCO)
A fault following a pre-arranged Circuit outage.
NOTE: The recommended levels of security are not intended at all times to cater for a first fault outage followed by
a second fault outage or for a simultaneous double fault outage. Nevertheless, in many instances, depending upon
switching and/or loading/generating arrangements, they will do so.
3.13
Secured Outage
A First Circuit Outage or Second Circuit Outage after which a defined level of demand should
be supplied.
3.14
Supplier
(a) A person supplying electricity under an Electricity Supply Licence; or
(b) A person supplying electricity under exemption under the Electricity Act 1989 [N3] (as
amended by the Utilities Act 2000 and the Energy Act 2004).
In each case acting in its capacity as a supplier of electricity to customers in GB.
3.15
System Security
The capability of a system to maintain supply to a defined level of demand under defined outage
conditions.
3.16
Transmission System Operator
The entity that operates the high voltage electricity transmission system.
3.17
Transfer Capacity
The capacity of an adjacent network which can be made available within the times stated in
Table 1. Transfer Capacity will be limited by Circuit Capacity or other practical limitations on
power flow.
4 Recommended levels of supply
Table 1 sets out the normal levels of security required for distribution networks classified in
ranges of Group Demand. If it is known that higher voltage reinforcement is expected in the
near future, the improvement in security resulting from this reinforcement may enable lower
ENA Engineering Recommendation P2
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voltage reinforcement to be deferred1. Any departure from the recommended normal level of
security of supply defined in this document may require detailed risk and economic studies to be
undertaken including any costs of generation operation. An instance where a departure would
be justified is for Class E, where the characteristics of the demand curve are such that normal
maintenance procedure would entail risk of consumer disconnection. In these cases earlier
reinforcement would be required unless alterations to maintenance procedures could be made
economically.
5 Capability of a network to meet demand
5.1 General
Demand can be secured using Circuits or a combination of Circuits and other means.
When carrying out a security assessment, consideration should be given to ensure that the
Circuit Capacity, the capability of other means and the value of demand used correspond with
the same point in time.
Guidance on best practice in respect of determining the contribution of the following means of
meeting Group Demand after First Circuit Outages and Second Circuit Outages is detailed
in ENA EREP 130 [N1]. Factors contributing to meeting Group Demand include:
• The appropriate rating of the remaining Circuits which normally supply the Group
Demand, following outage of the most critical Circuit (or Circuits); plus
• Transfer Capacity which can be made available from alternative sources; plus
• For demand groups containing DG, DSR, or other means, the security contribution of the
DG, DSR, or other means of providing network capability.
Due consideration shall be given to ensure voltage limits are maintained during Secured
Outages.
5.2 Capability of Circuits
A Circuit should not be loaded to a point where it would suffer unacceptable loss of life.
For First Circuit Outages, the Circuit Capacity will normally be based on the rating
corresponding to when the Group Demand occurs.
For Second Circuit Outages, the Circuit Capacity will normally be based on the rating
corresponding with the time when a pre-arranged First Circuit Outage is likely.
The existence and possible provision of Transfer Capacity should always be considered when
assessing the need for reinforcement.
5.3 Capability of non-circuit based capacity
The loss of a single DG security contribution, DSR security contribution or single point failure
of any other system providing a security contribution should not have a greater impact on
System Security than the loss of a Circuit(s).
NOTE: Whilst DG and DSR can be used as a contribution to network capability, this contribution might be less than
its contribution towards Latent Demand.
5.4 Impact of Active Network Management, other control systems or protection systems
Where DG security contribution or DSR security contribution is associated with an Active
Network Management (ANM) system, other control system or protection system, consideration
—————————
1 Such a deferment might require a derogation to be sought from Ofgem. Ofgem publishes guidance on the need
for derogations on its website.
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should be given to the most material common mode failure of that ANM, control or protection
system. Such a failure could have an impact on the security contribution from the DG or DSR.
DNOs should not assume all generation can or will be manageable via an ANM scheme.
5.5 Security contribution from multiple sources
Where security of supply is provided by means other than Circuits, consideration shall be given
to the availability and scheduling of planned outages of the asset providing those security
contributions.
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Table 1
Minimum demand to be met after*
Class of Range of First Circuit Outage Second Circuit Outage
supply Group Notes
Demand
A Up to 1MW In repair time: Group Demand Nil Where demand is supplied by a single 1000kVA transformer the "Range of Group
Demand" may be extended to cover the overload capacity of that transformer.
Over 1MW and (a) Within 3 hours: Group Requirement (a) may be reduced as follows:
B Nil
up to 12MW Demand minus 1MW Within 3 hours: Group Demand minus 1.2MW.
This reduction is subject to specific criteria, including that the Group Demand is
(b) In repair time: Group Demand supplied by a Circuit with a total length less than 1km. Further details on all the
criteria are provided in ENA EREP 130 [N1].
(a) Within 15 minutes: Smaller of Group Demand will be normally supplied by at least two normally closed Circuits
(Group Demand minus or by one Circuit with supervisory or automatic switching of alternative Circuits.
Over 12MW and 12MW); and 2/3 of Group
C Nil
up to 60MW Demand
(b) Within 3 hours: Group
Demand
(a) Immediately: Group Demand (c) Within 3 hours; For Group A loss of supply not exceeding 60 sec is considered as an immediate restoration.
minus up to 20MW Demands greater than 100MW: This is based on the assumption that the time for restoration of Group Demand
(automatically disconnected) Smaller of (Group Demand minus after a Second Circuit Outage will be minimised by the scheduling and control of
D Over 60MW and
100MW); and 1/3 Group Demand planned outages, and that consideration will be given to the use of rota load
up to 300MW
shedding to reduce the effect of prolonged outages on consumers.
(b) Within 3 hours: Group Demand
(d) Within time to restore arranged
outage: Group Demand
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Minimum demand to be met after*
Class of Range of First Circuit Outage Second Circuit Outage
supply Group Notes
Demand
(a) Immediately: Group Demand (b) Immediately: All consumers at The provisions of Class E apply to infeeds to the distribution system but not to
2/3 Group Demand systems regarded as part of the interconnected Supergrid to which the provisions
of Class F apply. For the system covered by Class E, consideration can be given
Over 300MW and to the feasibility of providing for up to 60MW to be lost for up to 60 seconds on First
E (c) Within time to restore arranged Circuit Outage if this leads to significant economies. This provision is not intended
up to 1500MW outage: Group Demand to restrict the period during which maintenance can be scheduled. The provision
for a Second Circuit Outage assumes that normal maintenance can be undertaken
when demand is below 67%. Where the demand during the maintenance period is
greater than 67% of the Group Demand, the requirement in (b) should be increased
to match the maintenance period demand.
F Over 1500MW In accordance with the relevant transmission company licence security
standard
* for the purpose of complying with the requirement to supply the ‘minimum demand to be met’, activation of DSR is equivalent to restoration of demand.
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Bibliography
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
[1] The Grid Code [Great Britain], National Grid Electricity System Operator Ltd.
