INSTALLING HEAT PUMPS AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGERS (LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES)

The electrification of heating and transport is identified as one of the key transition pathways to a low carbon economy. At Northern Powergrid we are supporting this transition and investing in our network to ensure that it is fit for a future where low carbon technologies are commonplace in all UK homes and businesses.   

Working together with the Electricity Networks Association (ENA) and other network operators there is now a simplified joint application process for Electric Vehicle Chargers and Heat Pumps. The process requires installers to submit only a single form when installing these technologies in premises. For new connections, this form should be submitted in addition to an application for a new connection. 

Depending on the size, type and location of the installation and to ensure the safety and security of our network, you may need to apply for a connection prior to the installation of the device.  You must complete the adequacy of supply assessment prior to the installation. This process flow chart will help you determine when you need to apply before you install and when you can just notify us about your installation. Further information is available on the ENA website.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN INSTALLING A HEAT PUMP OR EV CHARGING POINT:

An ‘adequacy of the supply’ assessment is required prior to any EV Charging point or Heat Pump installation. This requires a load survey to calculate the new Maximum Demand (MD) at the premises, including the device to be installed.

You need to contact us in advance of the installation where:

• the cut-out rating and/or service equipment is unknown or uncertain; 
• the existing supply is provided via a looped service (this includes surface wiring); 
• there are safety concerns over the adequacy of service equipment; 
• there are other issues identified with service equipment;
• the new MD is greater than the cut-out rating;
• the new MD is greater than 60A (13.8kVA single phase) for residential installations;
• the new MD is greater than the existing agreed Maximum Import Capacity for CT metered installations;
• the aggregated MD of the EV charging point installed at CT metered installations is greater than 30% of its existing agreed Maximum Import Capacity;
• the existing connection is not metered; or
• the charge points do not meet the required power quality standards.

If the cut-out rating, service cable, fuse and/or the connection being part of a looped supply is unknown; you have safety concerns over the adequacy of supply or need to report any other issue related to your service termination, you can call our contact centre on 0800 011 3433, Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm.  

The following documents may also be useful. 

• Guidance on cut-out types and ratings
• Identifying issues with service equipment
• Service termination issue reporting

Under certain circumstances installers may be able to proceed with the installation and inform us within 28 days of the installation using this form.

WHEN MAKING AN APPLICATION PLEASE NOTE:

• one form should be submitted per device, per premises. For multiple devices (including multiple devices under one controller) or multiple properties, use the multiple installations spreadsheet available on our website;
• we may ask for additional information to be supplied depending on the size and/or number of devices being connected; and
• any reinforcement costs associated with this installation may be recharged to the customer.

Providing that the form is fully and correctly completed, the following timeframes are applicable:

• for properties with new MD ≤60A (or MD less than the Maximum Agreed Capacity for CT metered properties) that meet all other relevant requirements detailed within the ENA process documentation, the installer can connect their device(s) and notify the network operator by filling in this form within 28 days of the installation;
• for properties with a new MD between 60A and 100A inclusive (that are not CT metered) the installer must apply for a connection prior to the installation by filling in this form and the network operator will assess the supply capacity within 5 working days;
• for properties with a new MD >100A (not CT metered) the installer must apply prior to installation by filling in this form. Timescales will be as per The Electricity (Connection Standards of Performance) Regulations 2015;
• for properties with a new MD greater than the existing agreed Maximum Import Capacity, the installer must apply prior to installation by filling in this form. Timescales will be as per the The Electricity (Connection Standards of Performance) Regulations 2015