Electrical losses from the network

We recognise our responsibility to the community to conserve resources and aim to minimise electrical losses wherever practical. We adhere to good industry practice when we design our network and our overall network loss ratio is approximately five percent.

Where electricity losses occur

Electricity, in the form of heat, is lost from:

• lines
• cables
• transformers
• other electrical equipment on our network.

Most losses occur from lines and cables - the larger the conductor, the lower the losses. However, larger conductors cost more and so trade-offs are made between the cost and the losses. The same applies when deciding which transformer to buy, as transformers with lower losses are more expensive. We carefully consider this trade-off. We don't simply purchase the cheapest equipment available.