Installing Low Carbon Technologies

When installing low carbon technologies (LCTs) like electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, or solar panels, your installer will need to contact us on your behalf.

Since you won't be doing the installation work yourself, the first step is to choose an installer who will manage everything for you. If they need to notify us about your LCT installation or require an upgrade to your electricity supply, they will handle this communication. This ensures we receive the correct information and can provide the necessary support for a smooth installation process.

If your electricity supply can handle the additional load, your installer just needs to inform us of your LCT installation.  However, sometimes an upgrade to your electricity supply may be necessary to reinforce our network and enhance protection.  Your installer will guide you through this process if needed.

Your installer might not be able to fully determine if reinforcement of the DNO-owned network is required.  Only the DNO can confirm this after conducting in-depth checks on the installation, your cut-out, and our network. This ensures your supply is safe and reliable.

No, there will be no charge to you for these works.  They are necessary to reinforce our network and support the growth of low carbon technologies like electric vehicles, solar panels, and heat pumps.

From April 1, 2023, Ofgem has shifted the costs of network reinforcements needed for new connections from the connecting customer to the distribution network operators (DNOs).  This means homeowners installing devices like EV chargers will no longer have to pay for any network capacity upgrades. These costs will be covered by the DNOs.

The timeline varies on a case-by-case basis, depending on the extent of the work required. We aim to complete the process as quickly as possible.  Your Planner will provide specific details and keep you informed throughout the process.

A load limiting device is a piece of hardware or software that limits the amount of electricity your premises can draw. For EV charge points or heat pumps, it acts as a curtailment scheme to prevent overloading.  The device must "fail safe," meaning if it stops working, it won't exceed the connection limits. When activated, it ensures your property's maximum demand stays at 60A or less.  This helps maintain a safe and reliable electricity supply.

We aim to complete the reinstatement of excavated private works within 10 working days from the date of jointing.  During this period, we cannot guarantee access to driveways or charging points while our works are in progress.

For excavations on public land, the timeline depends on local council permits.  Occasionally, permits may be denied, and we will inform you as soon as possible if this occurs.

It appears that you and your neighbour may share one incoming service cable, known as a 'looped supply.'  While this is suitable for standard domestic use, we may need to upgrade the supply to ensure you both have independent services.  This upgrade will facilitate future installations of electric vehicle charge points and heat pumps.

The duration of the power outage depends on the nature of the work and the number of properties involved. For 1-2 properties, the outage typically lasts around 2-3 hours. For 2-4 properties, it usually takes about 3-4 hours.

We aim to minimise the off-supply time and will inform you of the expected duration before starting the work.

If you're looking to install more than one type of low carbon technology (LCT) at your property or small business, such as an electric car charger and a heat pump, we're here to help simplify the process.

First, choose an installer who can assist with planning and handle the installations for you. It's important to understand the impact multiple LCTs will have on your electricity supply. Some LCTs, like heat pumps or electric car chargers, import electricity, while others, like solar panels, export electricity back to the network. Your installer can help you measure this and guide you through your options.

If your installer can connect your LCTs without any issues, they just need to notify us within 28 days. However, if your electricity supply isn't sufficient for the additional load, we may need to upgrade it first.

Things to consider before purchasing or installing your devices, consider the following with your installer:

1. Does the device require a larger electricity supply?
2. Should you install other LCTs to balance the impact of your installation?
3. What combination of technologies will maximize your electricity usage?

We're here to support you in making the transition to low carbon technologies as smooth as possible.

A multi-occupied property is a single building divided into multiple premises. This can include flats, converted properties, or factories split into smaller industrial units. It also covers any shared or communal areas within the building.

A Building Network Operator (BNO) is the company responsible for owning and maintaining the electrical infrastructure in a multi-occupied building. This includes the electrical equipment from the main intake fuse up to each individual customer's electricity meter.

In some cases, the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), like Electricty North West, can also act as the BNO. Other examples of BNOs include contracted licensed distributors or the landlord/building management company.

If your landlord applies to alter or upgrade the electricity connection for your building, we will assist with the design process, assess the installation, and verify ownership of the electrical equipment.

If you want to install low carbon technologies (LCTs) in a multi-occupied property, we recommend speaking to the building owner. Coordination with the overall requirements of the building is essential, and this may also be a good opportunity for your landlord to check if other tenants need similar changes. We will also need their consent before starting any work.