Paw patrol latest in SP Energy Networks’ grid resilience bid

Electricity network operator SP Energy Networks, in their bid to keep power flowing to UK homes and businesses, has been trialling the use of a specially trained detection dog to help find some of the network issues that could lead to power cuts.

Detection dog Jack, a springer spaniel, had a 100% success rate at a recent visit to one of the operator’s sites, where an artificial fault had been created to test the dog’s abilities, finding the location under asphalt on the first attempt.

The canine also used his nose to point to another fault it hadn’t been expected to find.

The pilot is continuing and forms part of a wider arsenal against the worst the weather can throw at the network this Winter. This includes the use of the UK’s first Low Voltage Support Rooms as well as drones and LIDAR-equipped helicopters to coordinate powerline maintenance.

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An arsenal of works

In a UK first, SP Energy Networks’ LV (Low Voltage) Support Rooms are using advanced monitoring technology to provide real-time information on supplies across their operating areas.

Data from smart meters and electricity substations are analysed to highlight where a potential fault might occur on the network, helping engineers find exact locations where repairs are required, sometimes before power drops and customers are aware of an issue.

These resources were set up as a permanent part of their operations following a trial that identified 30 ‘pre-faults’, saving an estimated £60,000 ($72,680) in equipment damage, stopping power cuts and reducing the amount of time customers were without electricity during repairs.

The operator also coordinated inspections of poles and wires that transport electricity around the country, using drones to identify areas of maintenance and helicopters equipped with LIDAR laser technology that scans whether trees have grown too close to power lines.

Scott Mathieson, SP Energy Networks network planning and regulation director, said: “Our teams prepare for winter weather all year round and we’re working hard to be ‘storm ready’ for the months ahead.

“It’s important we explore every avenue to either prevent the unplanned outages weather can bring or to make sure that, if they do occur, we can restore power to people’s homes and businesses as quickly and as safely as possible.”

SP Energy Networks is responsible for 105,000km of network and 30,000 substations.