The UK’s distribution network operators (DNOs) have committed to cut the red tape surrounding EV charger installations, aiming to help facilitate more mass installs.
Today the UK’s six DNOs have responded to calls from the parliament, enacting reforms that will make it easier for charging network operators to install charge points.
These reforms include a new, standardised process for all types of properties and businesses to apply for grid connection approval. As it stands, installers need to complete a range of different forms and meet different requirements in order to inform them of a new installation.
But as a result of these changes, the process will be streamlined and paperwork slashed. In addition, there is further work in the pipeline to digitalise the entire process, simplifying it further still.
Last month the government responded to a business, energy and industrial strategy select committee report into EV charging that sought to identify and highlight, as well as a perceived lack of real ambition on the government’s side, a raft of potential barriers that could hamper the adoption of EVs and rollout of associated infrastructure.
It looked towards the network operators to simplify some of the processes and David Smith, chief executive at the Energy Networks Association, said the networks companies wanted to “supercharge” Britain’s EV rollout.
“By finding new ways to cut the amount of paperwork, we are making it easier and quicker for EV charge points to connect to the network, helping the public make the switch to cleaner, greener transportation. At the same time, we want to ensure that they can access the latest low-carbon heating technologies, such as heat pumps, as easily as possible, to keep their homes warm throughout the year.
“Smart technology and data are vital to ensuring that network companies run the system in a more efficient and capable way. But to do that we need to know where and when charge points and heat pumps are being installed so we can manage the system in the most reliable, flexible way possible. The changes announced today will make it easier for installers to provide that information whilst helping network operators fulfil their responsibilities to the public,” he said.
