The project delivered a report capturing learnings on the suitability of service cables and cut-outs to accommodate the increased network loading as a result of the connection of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps.
SSEN’s demand growth forecasts (Distribution Future Energy Scenarios) for achieving net zero by 2050 suggest that around 70% of homes will require Low Carbon Technology (LCT) connections. This equates to 2.8m homes (of the current housing stock). Experience of connecting LCT to existing homes has shown that domestic loading assessments are required in 42.6% of cases and cut-out upgrades in 6% of cases. The outputs of this project, combined with SP Energy Networks ‘iDentify’ project, could avoid the need for individual loading assessments for new LCT connections. This could save up to £10.8m in loading assessment costs in SSEN’s license areas between 2021 and 2030.
Project planning workshops identified the three-service cable installation test scenarios recommended within the service cable Installation Literature Survey and these have been discussed and implemented.
Testing of service terminations and service cables is complete, and has been reported.
Review of results has prompted the stakeholder steering group to start a second project which will study data taken from smart meters to assess the loads that service terminations and cables are experiencing.
£625,000
August 2021 – August 2023
Tim Watts
