Applying for a new electricity connection can feel more complicated than it needs to be.

For developers and asset owners, one of the most important parts of the process is making sure the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) receives the right information from the start.

A connection application doesn’t guarantee that capacity will be available, but a clear and well-prepared application can reduce unnecessary questions, avoid delays and give the DNO a much better understanding of what your project actually needs.

This guide covers the key things worth considering before submitting an application.

What is a DNO application?

A DNO is responsible for operating the local electricity distribution network in a particular area.

If a development needs a new electricity supply, additional capacity to an existing supply, or certain changes to the existing network, an application will normally need to be made to the relevant DNO.

The application allows the DNO to understand the proposed development and assess how it could be connected to its network.

Depending on the project, this can lead to a connection offer setting out the proposed connection arrangement, costs, timescales and any work required on the wider network.

For larger or more complicated developments, the process can involve considerably more than simply completing an application form.

Start by understanding what you actually need

One of the first questions is also one of the most important:

How much electricity does the development need?

This isn’t necessarily the same as adding together the rating of every piece of electrical equipment proposed on the site.

A realistic maximum demand should consider how the development will actually operate, including factors such as diversity and the likelihood of different loads operating at the same time.

Depending on the development, loads could include:

• Heating and hot water
• Electric vehicle charging
• Lighting
• Ventilation and cooling
• Lifts
• Commercial or industrial equipment
• Residential demand
• Landlord supplies
• Other significant electrical loads

There may also be future requirements worth considering.

Applying for significantly more capacity than a development realistically needs can potentially affect the connection solution and cost. Applying for too little could create a different problem later if the project outgrows the capacity secured.

The aim should be to arrive at a sensible, justifiable figure.

Check what is already there

Before submitting an application, it is worth understanding the existing electricity infrastructure around the site.

That doesn’t mean you can determine exactly how the DNO will connect the development. The final solution is ultimately subject to the DNO’s network assessment.

However, understanding the existing network can provide useful context.

For an existing property, there may already be a supply that could potentially form part of the future strategy.

For a new development, nearby substations, cables, overhead lines and other electricity infrastructure can help build an early picture of the local network.

It is also important to remember that the closest electricity infrastructure isn’t necessarily where the DNO will offer a connection.

Capacity goes further than the local network

Electricity capacity isn’t determined solely by the cable or substation closest to a development.

The DNO needs to consider the wider distribution network and the effect that additional demand could have on it.

There can also be constraints further upstream.

The distribution network ultimately interfaces with the national transmission system, and constraints associated with upstream transmission infrastructure and National Grid substations can influence the capacity available to DNO networks.

This means a site can appear to have substantial electricity infrastructure nearby while still facing capacity constraints.

It is one of the reasons why an early assessment is useful, but cannot replace a formal network assessment by the relevant network operator.

Give the DNO a clear picture of the development

The better the DNO understands the project, the easier it is to assess what is being requested.

A good application should normally provide clear information about the site and proposed development.

Depending on the project, this could include:

• A clear site location plan
• The site boundary
• Proposed development layout
• Required electricity capacity
• Proposed phasing
• Required connection date
• Existing electricity supplies, where relevant
• Details of significant electrical loads
• Any proposed generation or battery storage
• Relevant information about future expansion

For larger developments, it can also be helpful to explain how the requested capacity has been calculated.

The objective isn’t to overwhelm the DNO with information. It’s to give them enough relevant information to understand the request properly.

Think about phasing

Not every development needs its full electricity capacity on day one.

A large residential, commercial or mixed-use development may be delivered over several years.

If that’s the case, tell the DNO.

For example, a development may ultimately require several MVA of capacity, but the demand could increase gradually as different phases are completed.

Providing realistic phasing information can help the DNO understand both the initial and longer-term requirements of the project.

It can also become important when considering programme, infrastructure delivery and the timing of any reinforcement works.

Be realistic about the programme

Electricity connections should be considered early in a project.

The connection itself may be relatively straightforward, but larger developments can require new substations, cable routes, network reinforcement, land rights or work elsewhere on the electricity network.

Those things take time.

If significant reinforcement is required, the electricity programme can become an important part of the wider development programme.

Finding that out late can be particularly difficult when construction has already started or key completion dates have been committed to.

Early engagement gives the project team more time to understand the position and consider the available options.

Don’t automatically accept the first solution without understanding it

Receiving a connection offer is an important milestone, but it shouldn’t necessarily be treated as the end of the process.

The offer needs to be understood.

Questions worth considering include:

• What capacity has actually been offered?
• Where is the point of connection?
• What infrastructure is required?
• Is network reinforcement included?
• What are the expected timescales?
• Are there conditions attached to the offer?
• What elements of the work can be delivered competitively?
• Are there alternative connection routes worth considering?

Depending on the project, there may also be an opportunity to consider an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) and Independent Connection Provider (ICP) rather than relying entirely on the incumbent DNO delivery route.

The cheapest quotation on paper isn’t always the best overall solution. Programme, risk, flexibility and responsibility for delivery should also be considered.

Avoid leaving utilities until the design is fixed

This is probably one of the most useful pieces of advice for any development.

Don’t wait until everything else has been designed before looking properly at electricity.

Utility infrastructure can require physical space.

Substations need suitable locations. Cable routes need to be accommodated. Access requirements need to be considered. Easements or other land rights may be required.

If these requirements are identified after the site layout has effectively been fixed, accommodating them can become much harder.

Utilities should form part of the development strategy rather than being treated as something to resolve at the end.

What does a strong DNO application look like?

There isn’t a magic application that guarantees a cheap or quick connection.

Network capacity will ultimately dictate what the DNO can offer.

But a strong application should give the DNO a clear and realistic understanding of:

• Where the development is
• What is being built
• How much electricity is required
• When that capacity is required
• How the development will be phased
• What significant electrical loads are proposed
• What existing infrastructure or supplies may be relevant

In simple terms, remove as much ambiguity as possible.

Getting the application right early

Electricity can have a significant impact on the cost, programme and viability of a development.

The earlier the requirements are understood, the more opportunity there is to deal with potential constraints properly.

Norwen supports developers, asset owners and project teams with electricity capacity assessments, connection strategy, DNO and IDNO applications, quotation reviews and ongoing utility liaison.

The aim is simple: understand what the project needs, make the right application and establish a clear route towards connection