Slashing red tape on the road to Net Zero
Energy Networks Association has announced a new, streamlined connections process making it easier for electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps to be connected to the electricity networks.
Slashing emissions from transport and heating are key parts of the energy networks’ ten point plan for climate action. Taking the process online will make it easier for installers to connect heat pumps and EV charge-points for customers across Britain while also creating valuable data to inform the continued roll-out of this infrastructure.
Currently, installations of heat pump and EV charge points must be informed to the local electricity network when connecting such devices to allow them to effectively plan and manage the electricity network.
By launching a new, streamlined process – that includes vehicle-to-grid EV charge point connections – installers will no longer have to fill in additional paperwork when connecting these devices to the network.
As well as cutting red tape and simplifying the connections process, ENA is leveraging this new data by introducing a database which will provide quick and simple access to anonymous information for both EV charge-point installers and network companies. ENA is also working to produce a guidance document to help manufacturers who have trouble sourcing the information required for the database.
The Electric Vehicle Charge Point Database allows the installer to identify the model and type to be installed and then for the electricity network to access technical information, capacity, and power quality data, in order to assess individual applications.
Data on local power quality can be difficult information to source, and currently installers must locate this information for every connection application they make. Having this information already loaded in the database will help the installers, save them time and help customers see the benefits of their EVs quicker.
Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation at Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s gas and electricity network operators said:
“Electric vehicles and heat pumps are coming soon to a street and home near you, and it’s our job as the network companies to make the roll-out as quick and simple as possible. Working with the installers we are simplifying and speeding-up current processes while making data available and accessible, delivering a real boost on the journey to Net Zero.”
ENA is aiming to streamline the connections process further with an app and web portal for an even smoother customer experience. This solution will include image recognition technology to visually identify domestic cut-outs (the device that your service cable runs through after entering your property, normally found under the stairs or wall box cabinet outside your house), charge point and heat pump barcodes. This will automatically populate the connections form within the app and pull data from the relevant ENA databases.
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