We pioneer a connectability pledge

We are vowing to say “Yes” to customers seeking to install electric vehicle chargers or heat pumps, as we become the first electricity distribution network operator to make a connectability pledge.

There will be no network obstacles blocking our eight million customers in the Midlands, South West and South Wales from adopting domestic low-carbon technologies.

Currently there are 10,759 heat pumps and 58,416 electric vehicle (EV) chargers connected to our network. From 2023-28, we estimate we will connect 628,000 heat pumps and chargers for 1.5 million EVs.

Our System Development Manager Paul Jewell said: “We want to make the move to low carbon heating and transport as simple as possible for our customers.

“By saying ‘yes’ to all domestic sized connections, we remove one consideration from the list for customers. They can choose a car or heating solution without worrying about our network.

“We might need to come and do some work at some customers’ properties but any domestic customer who is thinking of installing these low carbon technologies can proceed with confidence that our network will not be a barrier to their plans.”

The pledge is a key component of our Business Plan for the RIIO-ED2 price control period, which outlines our commitments to invest £6.7 billion between 2023 and 2028.

“The 2050 deadline for reaching net zero is 28 years away,” said Paul. “Many of our assets have a 50-year lifespan, so we are already building the network that will be operational when net zero is a reality.

“We’ve been installing larger service cables to new-build properties for a few years now and we are now installing larger network cables ready to meet demand.

“All of this work will support the revolutionary changes we are all going to have to make to achieve net zero. As a network operator, we know customers rely on us being there for them and we cannot afford to get this wrong.”

Ensuring no customer is left behind when it comes to the transformation needed to reach net zero is another major promise contained within the plan.

Paul said: “We are following in the footsteps of the rollout of broadband and mobile phone coverage so we know we must build a network that’s fit for the future today – and we must ensure equal access for all of our customers.”

The equal access concept is being supported by a regulatory change coming into force in April 2023. Ofgem’s Access Code Review means any reinforcement needed on the network to enable new connections will be paid for by the network operators, like us, rather than by the customer. This will make it quicker and cheaper for customers to connect to the network.