Accelerating Electrification: Unlocking £1.2 Billion - Q&A with the DNO's

Subject: Decarbonisation Workshop for Housing Providers and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs)

Link to slide deck

 Key Topics Covered:

1. Understanding DNOs and Their Role:

   • Neil Madwick and team provided an introduction to the role of DNOs, stressing the significance of their involvement in decarbonisation. They explained that effective collaboration with DNOs is critical for successfully implementing decarbonisation strategies, especially when it involves technical installations like solar PV, batteries, and heat pumps.

2. Technical Jargon and Practical Steps:

   • The workshop aimed to simplify technical language used by both housing providers and DNOs. This included clarifying terms related to power infrastructure, discussing the nuances of permissions, and differentiating between connecting individual homes versus multi-occupancy buildings.

   • Practical guidance was shared to help housing providers understand requirements such as “de-looping” and the implications for their properties. De-looping involves giving each property its own individual supply, which is necessary in some cases for safety and regulatory compliance.

3. Process Overview for LCT Readiness:

   • The session outlined a "DNO 101" for housing providers, covering steps required to make homes LCT-ready.

   • DNO representatives emphasised the importance of early engagement and provided insights into processes to help providers avoid delays, particularly if they are bidding for funding that requires quick deployment of LCTs.

4. Challenges in Multi-Occupancy Buildings:

   • Multi-occupancy properties require a distinct approach due to the complexities involved with shared or communal electricity networks. DNOs need to assess and upgrade infrastructure to accommodate LCTs.

   • When upgrades are required, the costs are often borne by the building owner rather than the DNO, and this can be a significant barrier, especially for larger properties.

5. Connect Direct Platform:

   • Demonstrated by Dan Clarke, Connect Direct is a digital tool intended to streamline LCT installation applications, offering a faster, more consistent application process for LCTs across the UK. This tool provides:

     • A simplified form submission process for installers.

     • Automation for device checks, ensuring compliance with network standards.

     • A centralised database accessible across the UK, making it simpler for installers and DNOs to track and manage applications.

6. Role of Installers:

   • DNOs highlighted the critical role that certified installers play in assessing properties for LCT readiness. Installers are expected to evaluate power requirements, ensuring that they do not inadvertently overestimate the load, which could lead to unnecessary upgrades and added costs.

   • The DNOs emphasised that while they provide support, they are not responsible for the detailed assessments needed within properties; this lies with the installers and, in some cases, the housing provider.

7. Addressing Delays and Access Challenges:

   • Housing providers raised concerns over delays and access coordination issues, particularly when multiple parties (DNO, meter operators, contractors) need to be involved.

   • DNOs acknowledged these challenges and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance coordination. Some DNOs are beginning to provide dedicated teams to manage these complex interactions and help streamline the process.

 Actions & Recommendations:

• Early Engagement: Housing providers should engage with DNOs as early as possible when planning decarbonisation projects. This allows DNOs to assess requirements, anticipate upgrades, and plan strategically.

• Utilise Connect Direct: Housing providers and their appointed installers are encouraged to use Connect Direct for all relevant applications. This platform is expected to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burdens by consolidating the approval process.

• Installer Coordination: Providers should select installers familiar with LCT and DNO requirements, as these professionals play a crucial role in evaluating and preparing homes for LCT installations. Proper training and communication between installers and DNOs are key to avoiding overestimations and additional costs.

• Consider Access Planning: Housing providers should work with DNOs to facilitate efficient access to properties and coordinate visits with tenants. This is especially important for multi-occupancy buildings, where the need to gain access to multiple units can delay implementation.

 Future Steps:

1. Strategic Planning Sessions: Housing providers and DNOs may benefit from holding regular planning sessions to review long-term goals and projected decarbonisation needs.

2. Installer Training and Support: Increase training opportunities for installers to ensure they understand DNO requirements, potentially reducing overestimations and speeding up approval processes.

3. Enhanced Coordination Tools: Developing a unified, streamlined process across DNOs, installers, and housing providers to manage complex cases and reduce bottlenecks in accessing properties.

 The workshop emphasised the collaborative effort required to decarbonise housing at scale. Both DNOs and housing providers expressed commitment to refining processes to achieve smoother, more predictable pathways to LCT readiness.

Next Steps: Creating a More Coordinated, Proactive Future

As the session wrapped up, Jenny outlined the roadmap for future collaborations:

1. Q&A Session: A dedicated session with Neil and DNOs to dive deeper into specific queries.

2. Strategic Engagement through Regional Collaboration: Bringing housing providers from specific areas together with DNOs to streamline place-based applications and funding submissions.

 As we move closer to Net Zero, the drive towards LCT-ready homes is gaining pace. This event has opened a new chapter in collaboration between housing providers and DNOs, highlighting the power of early engagement and strategic planning to overcome infrastructure challenges.