3.1.4.3 Electrification of uses and innovative solutions
3.1.4.3.1 A network working to develop new uses
The energy transition and digital revolution have profoundly transformed themanagement of the electricity distribution network.
Thanks to renewal programmes, scheduled renovation and use of underground lines in high-risk climate zones, the frequency of power outages has been down for several years, causing a reduction in the average outage time per customer. In 2020, the indicator saw a number of climate crisis situations below the average of the three previous years (SAIDI: 52 min in 2020 compared to 79 min in 2019, CAIDI: 76 min in 2020 compared to 115 min in 2019 and SAIFI: 0.68 min in 2019 compared to 0.69 min in 2019)(1).
In terms of “smart grid” technology, the HV network (20kV) is already smart since it is supervised, equipped with automated re-supplying and various smart solutions tailored to the external environment (water sensors in stations located in flooding zones, “verticality” sensors for isolated posts in mountainous areas, HV/LV transformer with automatic voltage adjustment in areas where renewable energy is already in heavy use, etc.). For the LV network, the deployment of smart meters now enables us to have a real-time vision of the characteristics of the electricity at the individual customer level (alarm in case of outage, voltage level). At the end of December 2020, in France, 80% of customers were equipped with smart meters, and 80% of energy was transmitted through “smart” networks. These advanced meters are a key link of smart networks. They provide all stakeholders – distributors, suppliers, customers and local authorities – with a wide range of benefits. The EDF group has set itself the goal of installing at least 41 million such meters by 2021, mainly in France (where the roll-out is mainly managed by Enedis), the UK, and India.At the end of 2020, over 32 million meters had been installed by the EDF group.
Number of smart meters installed (millions)
2018 : 18
2019 : 26
2020 : 32
Target 2021 : 41
Key non-financial performance indicator
The methodology for this indicator is set out in detail in section 3.7.2.2 "Details on performance indicators".
2020 was marked by the publication in March, by the distribution network manager, Enedis, of its roadmap for the transformation of network scaling methods and integration of flexibilities. This particularly identifies high-priority projects and upcoming transformations to contribute to making Enedis the leading distributor inFrance and Europe.
In October 2020, Enedis signed its first 2 flexibility contracts, anticipating the transposition into French law of the 2019 energy market Directive known as the “Clean Energy Package”, and became one of the very first distribution network managers to sign this kind of contract.
Based on its artificial intelligence and big data work, Enedis is studying new methods to optimise the renewal of its under and overground cable/line, low and medium-voltage facilities, by combining asset data (mapping) and incident histories.
France’s first dual heat and electricity smart grid was commissioned in summer 2020 in the “Nanterre Coeur Université” eco district. In partnership with UrbanEra and Bouygues Immobilier, Dalkia Smart Building designed and built this smart network connecting different buildings (offices, housing, businesses), pooling occupants’ needs, and enabling buildings to exchange their calories. Based on this energy solidarity and an innovative energy mix combining geothermal, aero thermal, biomass and free heat recovery, it supplies heat, hot water and air-conditioning using 60% renewable energy. The electricity necessary for its own functioning is produced through self-produced energy photovoltaics and cogeneration. Finally, digital network management enables real-time adjustment of energy production to match energy use.
3.1.4.3.2 Carbon-free electricity at an affordable price
One of EDF’s goals is to supply sustainable electricity at a reasonable price. Energy becomes affordable when a balance with the other fundamental goals of any business is achieved. Based on its strong public service values, EDF considers that electricity, as an essential asset, must be accessible to all and in all areas.
In 2020, the average sale price (excl. VAT) of electricity at the Regulated Rate for EDF residential customers was €125.7/MWh and for non-residential customers(2) was €125.3. On average, every month, a residential customer who signed a “6KVA Base” contract (monthly use of 200kWh) spends €28 excl. VAT (€41.80 incl. VAT) on their electricity bill. A residential customer, with a “9kVA peak/off-peak” contract (monthly use of 600kWh), spends €71.40 excl. VAT (€109.80 incl. VAT) on their electricity.
3.1.4.3.3. Reducing carbon impact using electric mobility solutions
The Electric Mobility Plan
With the electric mobility plan, launched in October 2018, EDF is aiming for a 30%market share in the supply of electricity to electric vehicles in 2023 in the Group’s four major markets (France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Belgium), the deployment of 150,000 charging points and the operation of 10,000 smart charging points by 2023.
The acquisition in February 2020 of UK-based Pod Point(3), one of the largest electric vehicle charging companies in the UK, will help to achieve these goals.
At the end of 2020, more than 100,000 charging points had been deployed or were operated worldwide (G4, California, Norway) by the EDF group (IZIVIA, Rod Point, IZI by EDF, Luminus, Edison, Powerflex). More than 5,000 are operated using smart charging technologies (IZIVIA, Powerflex, Dreev).
Development of recharging infrastructure
Faced with a challenging year, EDF UK and Pod Point actively contributed to the deployment of charging stations with the installation of more than 35,000 charging points.
Izivia, a French market leader, is one of the leading network operators, with over 10,000 public and private charging points operated in 2020. To make travel across Europe easier, Izivia also provides customers holding an IZIVIA Pass with access to 100,000 charging stations through interoperability. IZIVIA currently has two major projects bolstering fast charging services in urban and suburban environments, optimised for current uses:
- the deployment of a network of approximately 60 stations for 300 fast charging station (from 50 to 100kW) on potential high-traffic sites near major motorway son the edge of large towns and cities;
- the ongoing deployment in 59 towns around Lyon of an interoperable network of 170 stations featuring 641 charging points. IZIVIA also launched a service to install charging stations in condominiums in January 2020.
(1) SAIDI: System Average Interruption Duration Index; CAIDI: Customer Average Interruption Duration Index; SAIFI: System Average Interruption Frequency Index.
(2) Business market customers at Regulated Sales Rates with LV connection ≤ 36kVA.
(3) See EDF group press release of 14 February 2020.