Electricity distributor makes it easier to connect small-scale electricity storage

Energy distributor UK Power Networks has launched a new fast-track application process for connecting small-scale electricity storage projects to the distribution network.

The company, which delivers electricity to London, the East and South East, said that its new online application process for small-scale batteries will save time and money for many domestic and commercial customers who generate electricity from their own solar panels or wind turbines and who want to install electricity storage in their home or businesses.

Barry Hatton, Director of Asset Management at UK Power Networks, said: “UK Power Networks is embracing the future of energy distribution and generation, and this move underlines our commitment to listening to our customers and delivering practical solutions.”

“Small-scale electricity storage in people’s homes and businesses is predicted to grow in the coming years and we have taken another step to facilitate it by making it quicker and easier to connect to our network.”

UK Power Networks is also leading the development of national guidance for connecting small-scale electricity storage to the distribution network. This guidance, which will be published by the Energy Networks Association, aims to establish a uniform approach to the process.

Earlier in July, UK Power Networks announced plans to transform its networks so that every customer can have electric cars and smart appliances, and can generate, store and sell their own electricity.

The company said it will transition from being a Distribution Network Operator (DNO), which simply manages the network, to become a Distribution System Operator (DSO), enabling a smart, flexible system that responds to customers’ needs.

“We are on the verge of a change as significant for electricity as the advent of broadband was for telecommunications” commented Basil Scarsella, Chief Executive of UK Power Networks.

“We are working with policy makers, regulators, academia, SMEs and importantly customers to lay the foundations for an exciting future, which will place customers in control of energy usage.”

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