The electricity distribution system is taking on an increasingly important role in the decarbonization of the entire energy system and the expected evolution of the electricity system, in particular due to the increase in distributed generation, the spread of electric vehicles and heat pumps, and the participation of distributed resources in the regulation of the system. Significant investments will be required to enable the connection of new utilities, which will depend on several factors (e.g., location of generators or charging stations for electric vehicles).

Due to the inherent uncertainty of system evolution, it is important to conduct different studies and sensitivity analyses to study and plan the evolution of the electricity distribution network. Therefore, one frequent problem is quantifying network interventions (reinforcements, laying of new lines, etc.) according to scenarios (evolution of generation and load) and available control options. In order to conduct these studies, the availability of data on the electrical distribution system (topology, electrical parameters, connected utilities…) is essential so as to model the networks and obtain reliable and accurate results—data which, however, are not normally publicly available.

The purpose of this report is to collect good practices of distributors on the publication of data, which in many cases are already made available in detail, especially by some European, US and Australian operators. In addition to system characteristics (e.g., topologies, line resistances), several distributors publish other information, such as geo-referenced Hosting Capacity maps of load and generation to facilitate the connection of charging stations and distributed generation. Finally, the report shows how these data have been used profitably in a number of studies aimed at defining new criteria for electricity infrastructure planning and defining future evolution scenarios.