ESB Annual Report 2012 - (Page 28)

28 ESB Annual Report 2012 - Energy for connecting you ESB NETWORKS IN 2012 ESB NETWORKSFOCUSEDONRENEWING AND EXTENDINGITSDISTRIBUTION AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. ESB NETWORKS HASNOW CONNECTED APPROXIMATELY 1,740 MW OFRENEWABLEGENERATION TO THENATIONAL DISTRIBUTIONNETWORK. Priorities for 2013 are: safety, infrastructure delivery, customer service, strong financial performance and the development of sustainable networks. CAPITAL INVESTMENT Capital investment on the networks system in 2012 totalled €395 million and was primarily focused on reinforcing the transmission system to accommodate new wind generation that will be connected to the system before the end of the decade. By the end of 2012, approximately 1,740 MW of wind generation was connected to the system and this is expected to increase to 5,000 MW by the end of 2020. We also continued to invest in the distribution system to improve reliability of supply and ensure the safety of the network. Specific achievements in 2012 include: „ The completion of a new 24 km 110 kV circuit in Co. Cavan and the continuation of work on two major reinforcement projects in Co. Donegal and Co. Galway which together involve a total of 150 km of a new 110 kV line. €395M THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT MADE ON THENETWORKS SYSTEMIN 2012 „ Major reinforcement projects at two Dublin bulk supply substations were developed which included the commissioning of a new 250 MVA transformer. „ Construction commenced on a new 110 kV/ MV station and two 110 kV customer stations to serve major customers in the Dublin area. „ A total of 125 MW of wind farm capacity was connected and two new 110 kV substations connecting multiple wind farms were commissioned. „ 12,800 new connections were completed in 2012 (15,121 in 2011). The relatively low volume of load-related work resulted in a shift in investment activities to replacing the old plant and renewing the low voltage network. Some of the 2012 highlights are: SMART METER PROGRAMME: The smart metering project has now commenced the detailed design stage. Under the governance of CER, the Energy Industry will work together over the next 18 months to finalise the detailed requirements for the full roll out of Smart Meters. R&D PROJECTS: ESB Networks co-ordinated the North Atlantic Green Zone Project proposal, a joint proposal of all the system operators on the island of Ireland, with the support of government bodies, to be included in the EU-wide list of Smart Grid Projects of Common Interest which may attract EU funding from the Connecting Europe Facility and other EU funding budgets in 2013. COST EFFICIENCY/PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT: In 2012 we reduced staff numbers by circa 10% through a combination of a voluntary severance programme and natural retirements which will enable the business to deliver greater efficiencies. MARKET HARMONISATION PROJECT: A new market platform which enables a single market interface for changing customer supplier in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland electricity markets, was delivered on schedule and within budget in 2012. This project, which was approved by CER and NIAUR, was delivered by ESB Networks and NIE. STRATEGIC AIMS AND RESPONSE TO CHANGE A number of major milestones were achieved in 2012. Our research and development programmes made informed decisions regarding major infrastructure deployment and allowed ESB Networks to continue its pivotal role in helping improve the competitive market operations for all electricity customers.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ESB Annual Report 2012

ESB Annual Report 2012
Contents
Business Overview
Chairman’s Statement
Chief Executive Review
Our Strategy and Business Model
Operating and Financial Review
Operating Environment
Finance Review
Business Unit Sections: ESB Generation and Wholesale Markets
ESB Networks
NIE
Electric Ireland
Corporate Social Responsibility
Introduction from Executive Director, People and Sustainability
Sustainability Charter
Energy Usage 2012
ESB Innovation
Equality and Diversity
Our People
Our Community
Corporate Governance
Chairman’s Corporate Governance Statement
The Board
Executive Team
Board Members’ Report
Risk Management Report
Statement of Board Members’ Responsibilities
Independant auditor’s report to the stockholders of Electricity Supply Board (ESB)
Statement of Accounting Policies
Financial statements
Prompt Payments Act

ESB Annual Report 2012

https://www.nxtbookmedia.com