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Return home7. Distribution network operators (DNOs)
Understand the role of distribution network operators (DNOs) in supporting electric vehicle infrastructure and explore innovative projects such as Project PACE, which aims to deliver efficient and cost-effective approaches to managing electricity network capacity and charge point deployment.
DNOs
Distribution network operators (DNOs) are responsible for operating and maintaining the UK’s electricity distribution network. Their role is to deliver electricity to homes, businesses and other properties within their designated geographical areas.
There are several DNOs across the UK, each responsible for a specific region. In Scotland, electricity distribution is managed by Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).
The cost of connecting to the electricity network is a key consideration when developing charging infrastructure, whether for fleet depots or public charging facilities.
You will need to engage with the relevant DNO when arranging a new connection or modifying an existing one to support electric vehicle charge points. It is important to involve the DNO as early as possible in the planning process, as their requirements can affect project costs, timescales and delivery. Long lead times for network connections are a common cause of delays to charging infrastructure projects.
Capacity charges
Standardised capacity charges apply to electricity connections above a specified size. These charges cover the cost of ensuring that sufficient electrical capacity is available to the site at all times, regardless of how much electricity is actually used.
The measures outlined in this toolkit can help reduce the size of any new electricity connection required for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This can, in turn, reduce the capacity charges associated with the connection.
Capacity charges are often included within Distribution Use of System (DUoS) charges. The level of charging depends on factors such as the time electricity is used and the voltage level of the connection.
In April 2023, Ofgem’s Access and Forward-Looking Charges Significant Code Review (Access SCR) came into effect. These reforms changed the way electricity network upgrades are funded. Organisations are no longer required to pay for upstream network reinforcement costs unless their connection triggers a High-Cost Project Threshold. Instead, connection costs are generally limited to downstream network upgrades and any assets required
Case Study: Project PACE
Scottish Power Energy Networks (SP Energy Networks), working in partnership with Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government, North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council, explored a distribution network operator (DNO)-led approach to electric vehicle charging infrastructure planning between 2019 and April 2021.
Traditionally, local authorities identify charging infrastructure locations based on where they believe demand is likely to be highest. However, without detailed knowledge of the local electricity network, some preferred sites can be difficult and expensive to connect.
Project PACE identified 44 sites across North and South Lanarkshire that were well suited to electric vehicle charge point installations and delivered 167 charge points. The project incorporated electricity network considerations into the site selection process, helping to identify locations that met local charging needs while reducing connection challenges and costs.
By integrating network planning into charge point deployment decisions, Project PACE streamlined the connection process and achieved estimated savings of between £1.3 million and £2.6 million in connection costs across the 44 sites.
