HC Deb 13 March 2003 vol 401 cc361-2W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will estimate the transmission losses of electricity in the UK in 2002, broken down by supplier; and what percentage of total electricity supplied this represents. [101690]

Mr. Wilson

Data on electricity losses in 2002 are not yet available. In 2001 total losses of electricity were 30,900 GWh. It is estimated that about 5,600 GWh of this were lost from the high voltage transmission systems and 25,300 GWh (just under 7 per cent. of supply) between the grid supply points an customers meters. As part of its consultation paper on electricity distribution losses OFGEM have published the following figures for losses as a percentage of electricity supplied for each distribution network operator (DNO) in 2000–01. OFGEM have commented that there are many inherent differences in the design and load characteristics of each DNO. Nevertheless, it is not clear that these differences are sufficient to account for the variable performance of distribution companies.

Distribution network operator 2000–01(%)
Eastern 7.1
East Midlands 6.0
London 7.3
Manweb 9.1
Midlands 5.4
Northern 6.6
Norweb 6.2
Seeboard 7.6
Southern 7.2
South Wales 7.2
South Western 7.9
Yorkshire 6.6
Scottish Power 7.2
Hydro Electric 9.1
Average 9.1