UK Power Networks and ENA build digital bridge to speed up connection approvals

UK Power Networks is building a new API bridge with the Energy Networks Association (ENA) to help low-carbon electricity customers get connected to the power grid faster.

The British distribution network operator (DNO) is supporting the ENA’s Connect Direct platform, which hopes to serve as a one-stop-shop for low-carbon technology (LCT) installers, centralising the application process.

Launched in May 2024, the portal from ENA taps directly into the UK Power Networks Smart Connect system via an API, a digital interface that enables the two platforms to talk to each other.

A month into the platform’s release, states ENA, applications for 1,000 installers have been processed. ENA cites the platform’s ability to automate inputs, use AI for instant approvals, eliminate manual transposing issues that slow applications and deliver accurate data to network operators, in turn increasing visibility to aid network design and operations.

According to the DNO in a release, the interface means that installers who operate nationwide will no longer have to contact individual distribution network operators for installations in different parts of the country, but can use a single portal for all their domestic applications.

Each application through Connect Direct automatically feeds into the correct operator’s application system, making it easier to gain approval.

UK Power Networks has been approving 86% of all domestic connection enquiries, which they claim to be more than double the number of any other network operator.

The recent launch of Connect Direct has increased this figure to over 90%, they state, and is hoped to encourage more people to make the switch to low-carbon technologies.

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As well as auto-approving the majority of domestic connections applications in a matter of minutes, the platform also allows customers to get approval for up to 5kW of solar and battery storage, significantly higher than the industry standard 3.68kW.

Over the past year, this has enabled an additional 12,000 applications to get approved, generating over 16MW of green energy, enough to power over 10,000 homes.

Commenting in a release was Suleman Alli, director of Finance, Customer Service and Technology at UK Power Networks: “Speeding up the connections process for installers will help our customers make active progress towards heading green and hopefully inspire more people to make the step to sustainable technologies.

“In a little over two years, since the launch of our Smart Connect portal, we’ve seen applications for domestic batteries and solar installations rise over 700%. With Connect Direct, that number is only going to rise.”

Added Mohammed Mirza, head of Delivery and Customer Care at Evergen Solar: “Our collaboration with this software marks a pivotal moment in the renewable industry. Previously, these application confirmations took an average of two to four weeks depending on your network operator.

“Now, 80% of applications receive approval within five minutes of submission, significantly reducing waiting times for our valued customers and ensuring their systems are registered.”

UK Power Networks’ Smart Connect platform was launched in 2022 by the DNO to expedite connection approvals for the majority of new EV charge points and solar panels, where it operates in London, the East and South East in the UK.