Pathways is piloting geospatial planning tools to improve network reliability. By automating the analysis of network and third‑party data, these tools will enable a more complete, faster, and cost‑effective approach to planning and delivering network interventions. This will help provide more reliable power for all customers, especially those most in need.
What is the project about?
Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) have strong obligations to improve reliability for Worst Served Customers (WSC). However, current planning and delivery processes do not scale well to meet this need. Traditional reinforcement schemes can take years to deliver, and planners often do not have a clear, joined‑up view of key spatial data. This means opportunities for more efficient and coordinated investment are often missed, creating a bottleneck that limits the roll‑out of targeted interventions to improve performance for WSCs and other customers.
The project will develop two complementary tools to change how network interventions are identified and designed. A proactive tool will carry out region‑wide analysis to identify high‑fault areas where efficient interventions can be delivered, and will suggest options to address reliability issues. An opportunistic tool will support day‑to‑day planning by providing local insights and a more complete view of the key factors affecting the network.
Together, these tools will automate complex analysis, bring spatial data together, and produce clear outputs and reports to support decision‑making and scheme development. By speeding up scheme design, improving investment decisions, and increasing the number of high‑value interventions delivered, the project will enable faster improvements in network resilience and reliability, especially for customers most affected by frequent interruptions.
How we’re doing it
Phase one will focus on building a strong foundation for the tools. The project will review relevant internal datasets and system architecture to understand what information is available, as well as any data or technical limitations. At the same time, external datasets that could improve the tools’ outputs, such as environmental or geographical data, will be explored. Internal stakeholders will be involved throughout this phase to define requirements, agree design principles, and shape how the tools will be used in practice.
The second phase will focus on developing and testing the tools. The proactive and opportunistic solutions will be built in stages, with regular testing and user feedback to ensure they are accurate, easy to use, and fit for purpose. Once developed, the tools will be trialled with end users to understand their real‑world performance, usability, and value. These trials will help confirm that the tools are robust and ready for wider use.
If the trials are successful, the project will move into phase three, which will prepare the tools for deployment. This phase will include producing user guidance and training materials, delivering training to end users, and integrating the tools into existing internal systems.
What makes it innovative
Geospatial tools have not previously been used in scheme planning. This project will be the first to trial and introduce an automated, data‑led geospatial tool to support more efficient network planning and scheme development, helping to build a more resilient and reliable network.
What we’re learning
During the project, we expect to learn more about:
• Data quality: How different datasets work together to produce useful insights, and where data gaps exist.
• Technical performance: How well the solution identifies areas where efficient network investment can be made.
• Operational integration: How the solution can be integrated into existing systems and used day to day to support scheme planning.
Share your ideas
If you have an idea that could reshape or revolutionise the way we work, we want to hear from you.
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