Naturgy launched UFD earlier today; the new brand for all activity by the electricity distribution company in Spain. It is embarking on a new period focused on the development, technology upgrade and digitalisation of its electricity networks by applying innovation as a main cornerstone for its electricity distribution business to improve supply quality and help evolve the electricity system as a whole.
UFD combines basic concepts from the new Naturgy management model to tackle the challenges of the future. Hence, it is a brand focused on innovation, digitalisation and simplicity that will help underpin the new period launched by Naturgy under the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan.
“The new brand, UFD, reflects the roots and track record of our company but commits to a future in which electricity distribution networks will play an essential role in the energy transition towards a less carbon-dependent economy, offering a response to new energy challenges such as integrating the increase in renewable generation and the provision of new services needed to develop new energy models”, said Raúl Suárez, Director of UFD.
UFD in Spain
The electricity distributor of Naturgy is the third-largest operator in Spain. It operates in Galicia, where it is the largest electricity distributor, Madrid, Castile-La Mancha and Castile-Leon. UFD has invested over 85 million euros in the first half of 2018 in order to strengthen and upgrade the network, and improve supply quality.
Thanks to these efforts, the electricity distributor of Naturgy has improved its electricity supply quality in Spain by 62.6% at the end of the first six months of the year when compared with the same period in 2017. UFD posted a TIEPI (interruption time equivalent to medium-voltage installed capacity) of 24.8 minutes – one of the best not only in Spain but anywhere in Europe. This compares with the 67 minutes posted in the first six months of 2017.
By zone, it is worth noting the figures posted by UFD in A Coruña (7.45 minutes, one of the best in the country), Madrid (7.56, far better in terms of quality than other distributors), Ciudad Real (8.47 minutes) and Segovia (a little over 12 minutes).
The company has over 3,720,000 supply points (3,720,509), with a net annual increase of 18,602 supply points (2017) thanks to a network that spans almost 65,000 kilometres.
UFD expects to maintain this rate of investment, with a focus on innovation and digitalisation in its commitment to a business that brings value to the company while supporting an efficient and rational energy transition capable of guaranteeing supply quality for the public.