• • • EV • • •
DNOs, they are licensed by Ofgem. However, their ‘independence’ differentiates IDNOs from DNOs as they aren’t restricted to a geographical part of the UK. They can operate nationwide, and be more flexible about how they interpret the standards set by DNOs, which vary from region to region. Operating in a competitive market means that IDNOs can adapt and adjust to market challenges in a way that DNOs aren’t incentivised to do. They are more customer-centric, focusing on the customer’s broader needs rather than just making a connection happen. The right IDNO partner works with charging infrastructure developers to reduce the risk for investors, that are looking for a three to five-year payback, by enabling faster and more cost-effective grid connections for installations.
No one said EV charging
infrastructure was simple Importantly, IDNOs understand the complexity and work that goes into meeting EV regulations. For any EV charging infrastructure project there are a lot of moving parts, a lot of obstacles to overcome and a lot of stakeholders to engage with. Dealing with the DNO, to get a connection, involves liaising with the right person and in the right way. It requires an understanding of the processes involved and the timescales for network reinforcement where it’s needed. It also means handling the likelihood and scale of unexpected costs, without throwing enormous curveballs at the project. Similarly, with project delivery, legals and streetworks, the IDNO takes away the complexity of sometimes unclear process requirements, again, often by knowing who to speak to. They help make large power connection agreements accessible and handle MPAN data flow issues on behalf of the customer. Importantly, they can assist with the timescales for design reviews and legal completion – handling the legal changes that arise from design changes as ‘as-built’ sometimes doesn’t
match approved designs. This leads on to adding value to the project’s build assurance – getting completion certificates for phased projects can be complex.
Land rights are a massive bottleneck, these and planning barriers which are hopefully being addressed by the new government. Discussions around land rights, ownership and wayleaves involve multiple parties, and not everyone understands the language that is being used. You have to cut through a lot of technical electrical jargon when dealing with DNOs, which is why it pays to work with an IDNO who can help translate and put it in simple language.
Real-world experience and
engagement At a recent EV Solution Workshop, Eclipse Power presented its EV energisation customer journey to people from across the EV charging ecosystem. The journey focuses on engaging authoritative expertise you can trust – Eclipse Power has a long track record of successfully designing, owning,
operating and maintaining licensed electricity distribution networks across the UK. We have direct experience of compliance with EV charging regulations and of reducing risk for investors. The workshop and development of our customer journey was prompted by questions asked by people who have faced the real-world challenges of connecting EV charging projects. Most of which came down to the central question; ‘How can we improve energisation timescales.’ The answer lies in communication, improving processes for sure, but keeping all stakeholders informed with dates and progress at every stage. Ultimately, accelerating the build out of the UK’s EV charging infrastructure comes down to putting people at the centre of what you want to achieve, which is what transforming the sector should be all about. There needs to be more conversation and more action around accelerating EV charging infrastructure. With a fresh government looking to unblock planning restrictions and investment in the green transition, the most transformative time is now.
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • SEPTEMBER 2024 19
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