To develop and deliver electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint infrastructure, local authorities need the ongoing support of local electricity network operators. This guidance sets out how and when to engage with your network operator throughout this process.
Your first steps will likely be to:
Speak to your Distribution Network Operator about your EV project.
Decide if you want to work with an independent provider.
Work with your chosen network operator to understand and implement their connection process.
You can find more information on each of these steps below. There are also supporting resources at the end of this page.
If you need support at any stage, contact the local government support programme at lgsp@est.org.uk.
Step 1: speak to your Distribution Network Operator
A Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is a company that operates and maintains the electricity distribution network in a specific area. A DNO is responsible for delivering electricity to homes and businesses via its network of overhead lines, underground cables, and substations.
There are currently six DNO groups operating distribution networks across England. You can find out which operator covers your area by entering your postcode on the Energy Networks Association website. Some local authorities are covered by more than one network operator.
Always speak with your local DNO about your EV project early on, even if you’re planning to work with an independent provider. This ensures they’re aware of your project requirements and the impact it may have on their network, long before any work needs to take place.
If you’re reaching out for the first time, we recommend you speak to the following teams at each DNO:
Electricity North West Limited: contact the PACE (Pre-Application Customer Engagement) team at pace@enwl.co.uk.
If these contacts need updating, please let us know at lgsp@est.org.uk.
Step 2: decide if you want to work with an independent provider
When applying for a connection to the electricity network, you have a choice on who delivers some aspects of the work. You can decide whether to work solely with your DNO or to also involve independent providers.
There are two types of independent provider:
Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) – a company licensed by Ofgem to own and operate electricity networks. IDNOs are responsible for the ongoing maintenance and fault repairs of their local networks. Unlike DNOs, an IDNO is not restricted to a specific geographical region and can operate across the UK. You can find a list of IDNOs on the Independent Network Association website.
Independent Connection Provider(ICP) – an accredited company that can build electricity networks to the specification and quality required for a DNO or IDNO to adopt them. A list of accredited ICPs is available on the LRQA website.
Independent providers can only carry out activities classed as ‘contestable works’. Examples of contestable works include:
designing your new connection
negotiating land rights with third-party landowners
installing new substation buildings
digging trenches
cable laying and live jointing
For the safety and security of the network, some works are classed as ‘non-contestable’ and can only be completed by the DNO or their appointed sub-contractors. These are usually any works that must be carried out on the existing DNO network. Examples include detecting the point of connection and reinforcing the network.
Always check your DNO’s guidance to determine which activities are classed as contestable. DNOs regularly work with Ofgem to trial and extend the scope of contestable works. The number of activities that can be carried out by an independent provider is therefore expected to grow over time.
Step 3: work with your chosen network operator to get connected
The process to deliver a new connection will vary depending on the scale and requirements of your project and who you decide to work with. We’ve illustrated what actions may be involved throughout the connection journey below.
Planning
Establish your project’s requirements: identify possible locations and the number and type of chargepoints you’ll need.
Make use of free online tools provided by the DNO.
Request an initial budget estimate or feasibility study.
Attend one-on-one DNO connection surgeries to discuss sites and network capacity in more detail.
Decide if you want to work with an independent connection provider.
Application
Work with your DNO or independent provider to submit your application.
DNO provides a connection offer (valid for a fixed period) with a quote for contestable and non-contestable works.
If you decide to accept the connection, formal contracts are signed and payments are arranged.
Delivery
Appoint an electricity supplier that will install a meter for chargepoints (if required).
Agree start and end dates for the connection works.
Construction and installation of connection assets and chargepoints begins, overseen by the DNO or independent providers.
Once new chargepoints are energised and ready to use, ongoing maintenance of the network is managed by either the DNO or IDNO.
Summary of DNO costs and timelines
The time it takes to deliver new connections depends on the size of the connection required and the complexity of the work involved. As a rough indication:
Smaller connections (to one or two standard chargepoints) may be delivered in a few months.
Large connections (for an ultra-rapid charging hub) may take several months or sometimes more than a year to complete.
The tables below show indicative costs and the time needed to connect different chargepoint types. All information has been provided by the respective DNOs. These figures are for guidance only and is accurate as of 5 June 2024.
Always speak to your DNO for a more accurate understanding of costs and timelines for your project.
Typical chargepoint rating
Up to 7kW
Up to 43kW
120-350kW
350kW+
Example setting
Standard charger
Fast charger
Rapid charger
Rapid charger
Average quotation time (working days)
Up to 5 days
Up to 15 days
Up to 25 days
Up to 35 days
Average connection time
8-12 weeks
8-12 weeks
8-12 weeks
4 + months
Average connection cost
£6,200
£6,200
£100k+
£170k+
Notes
Significant civils will be required for rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoint installations. Connection costs do not include costs for traffic management, legal costs, planning permission, cost of land or permits.
Typical chargepoint rating
Up to 7kW
Up to 43kW
120-350kW
350kW+
Example setting
Standard charger
Fast charger
Rapid charger
Charging hub
Average quotation time (working days)
5-17 days
17 days
24-54 days
58-65 days
Average connection time
10 weeks
19 weeks
19-29 weeks
19-29 weeks
Average connection cost
£3,210
£13,160
£48,750
N/A
Notes
Price for charging hubs would be provided on application.
Typical chargepoint rating
Up to 7kW
Up to 43kW
120-350kW
350kW+
Example setting
Standard charger
Fast charger
Rapid charger
Charging hub
Average quotation time (working days)
15 days
15 days
25-35 days
35-65 days
Average connection time
6-9 weeks
6 -9 weeks
3-12 months
12 months+
Average connection cost
£5,000
£5,000-15,000
£15,000-£120,000
£25,000+
Notes
This table applies to the Scottish Power Manweb licence area only, which covers regions in North West England and Wales.
All the figures supplied are based on single chargers other than in the 350kW+ scenario.
Costs for 120-350kW and 350kW+ scenarios depend on whether a low voltage, high voltage, or extra high voltage solution is required.
Typical chargepoint rating
Up to 7kW
Up to 43kW
120-350kW
350kW+
Example setting
Standard charger
Fast charger
Rapid charger
Charging hub
Average quotation time (working days)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Average connection time
4-8 weeks
8-16 weeks
3 months plus
N/A
Average connection cost
£1,250-£2,400
£4,000-£75,000
From £60,000
N/A
Notes
Quotation times have not been provided by the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.
Information on charging hubs has not been provided as they vary considerably and are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Resources
Keep reading for access to a variety of relevant resources.
Each of the DNOs has produced online tools to help local authorities with the planning and connection process in its region.
UK Power Networks: visit the Local Net Zero Hub for further information.
As of April 2023, demand customers no longer need to contribute to upstream reinforcement costs under £1,720 per kVA. For example, if you applied for a 1,000kVA connection, you wouldn’t pay for reinforcement works that came to less than £1.72 million. However, you would need to pay for any reinforcement costs above this.
This should result in much lower connection charges where reinforcement works are involved. Please note that you still need to pay for the works to provide the new connection, known as ‘extension assets’.
Connection costs can vary significantly depending on the location. Make use of DNO tools or speak with your DNO to understand the locations of existing cable routes. Consider choosing sites as close as possible to existing cable routes. This will reduce the length of new cables required and should lower connection costs.
Where possible, avoid selecting sites that require cables to be laid across roads or footways. Connections that cross a road or footway are likely to cause extra disruption. This may increase costs and cause delays to a project.
If the make and model of the chargepoint you want to install isn’t listed on the ENA’s low carbon technology register, DNOs may need extra time to assess potential power quality and flicker issues that may result from installation.
