How electricy works in the UK

Another project. I need to figure out how electricity is moved about in the UK. The Grid. Something that the US has come to understand a little bit better recently.

The Department of Trade and Industry have an energy group that oversee electricy and management. I have not found much that could be used in the classroom on their site but I did find this interesting FAQ (I think the ending demonstrates a bluntness that you just don't see in the US):

"3. I have seen signs on electricity substations saying "danger" or "danger of death". Isn't this just an exaggeration to keep people out?
No, not at all. The signs are there to stop you being killed. Substations contain high voltage equipment of up to 400,000 volts. Even much lower voltages can jump through the air and reach you. If you are unfortunate enough to come into contact with high voltage electricity the result will always be terrible and tragic. If you are not killed outright, you will probably be badly burned and scarred for life."

Ahh, I wrote off dti too soon.

Here is information about network access to the electricity grid. It sounds like what they define as "embedded" generators are distributed generators in the US.

Some of those documents led me to the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (ofgem). They have all the grid information one could possibly need. Here are some of the facts:

• There are 14 Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) in Britain. Two are in Scotland. The 14 DNOs are owned by 8 companies.


• Ofgem is currently reviewing DNOs in response to the growing amount of distributed (or embedded) generation. They are trying to find ways to maintain reliability, security, and the environment during the movement to DG.


• The Network Information page contains links to a ton of information about each DNOs. The information is provided in long term development statements written by each of the DNOs (as required by ofgem).

Here are some more sites:

Electricity Association - looks like it has a good overview description of the electricity situation. I think the Industry Overview section is exactly what I want.

The UK FAQ from National Grid.

I think I am reaching the end of this little project.