Implementing a Risk Management System for the British Power Grid

Summary

Extreme weather events and climate changes are expected to impact distribution network operators. The British operator Western Power Distribution produced a risk assessment following national projections for the end of the century with a high emissions scenario. Risks are assessed based on their likelihood and consequence, which allows defining the risk severity. Further, a risk management system will embed the identified risks into the day-to-day process, and adaptation measures will be developed and implemented. The risk assessment also finds that implementing low carbon technologies will have a greater impact on distribution network infrastructure regarding demand requirements and capacity constraints.

Key take-aways

• Available projected climate data can be used to assess the risks of climate change.
• Adaptation to climate change is only one area of change affecting distribution network operators.