Delivering SSEN’s DFES in a pivotal year for network planning

Distribution Future Energy Scenarios are projections of changes in electricity generation, demand and storage technologies across the different voltage tiers of SSEN’s electricity distribution network.

SSEN uses the DFES analysis as part of an integrated network planning, optioneering and investment appraisal process. The projections enable it to model changes in future electricity needs across the network and subsequently assess where solutions, such as network upgrades or smart solutions to free up capacity, are required to meet future needs and deliver government ambitions for both Clean Power 2030 (CP30) and net zero by 2050.

This year has been a pivotal one for the network planning process. The 2025 DFES has incorporated major policy changes, including NESO’s connections reform and the end of sales of combustion engine vehicles in 2030, and has also been provided as an input into the development of the transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plans (tRESP) currently being developed by NESO. It will also be used in the development of SSEN’s business plan for the 2028-2033 RIIO-ED3 price control period.

Regen is particularly grateful for the input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including energy project developers, policymakers and local authorities.

Evolving the DFES

As electricity network planning evolves, Regen remains closely engaged with the implementation of both the tRESP, the enduring RESP processes and the development of DNOs’ DFES studies. We are committed to ensuring that the DFES continues to add value and reflects timely local data, ambition and market developments, while maintaining cohesive alignment with the regional and national planning approaches being led by NESO.

We look forward to continuing to work with energy networks, local authorities and other stakeholders, to ensure we prepare and invest to enable a clean power and net zero energy system to be delivered cost effectively and efficiently.

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