A new, streamlined process for connecting electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps to electricity networked has been launched.
Installers will no longer have to fill in additional paperwork when these devices are connected to the network, said the Energy Networks Association (ENA). By making it easier to connect EV charge-points and heat pumps by taking it online, the association hopes it will aid the transition to electrified solutions.
Additionally the new process will create valuable data to inform the continued rollout of infrastructure, creating a new database that will provide quick and simple access to anonymous information for both charge point installers and network companies.
The Electric Vehicle Charge Point Database allows installers to see the model and type set to be installed, as well as allowing networks to access technical information, capacity and power quality data, in order to assess individual applications.
“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,” said Dan Clarke, head of innovation at the ENA.
“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.”
The need to increase network capacity to meet the growing demand from EVs and heat pumps formed a key part of the DNO’s recent draft RIIO-ED2 plans. For example, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is working to enable the connection of an additional 1.3 million EVs and 800,000 heat pumps from 2023-28.
ENA is planning to streamline the connection process further with an app and web portal. This would include image recognition technology to allow networks to visually identify domestic cut outs, as well as charge point and heat pump barcodes.
