NIE Networks is introducing a new design standard for domestic connections to its network, following a consultation held earlier in 2023. The change takes effect on 1 November 20231.
The network operator said the previous approach designed and equipped the network to facilitate the connection a customer requested, and that this remains the case to an extent, but that demand on the network is now much higher than before and is likely to rise further1. It said that as more people adopt low carbon technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles, demand increases, and that in the past this meant costly upgrades were needed so the network could accommodate the low carbon technology wishing to connect1.
The consultation, launched earlier in 2023, sought views on how best to accommodate the future installation of electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps1. NIE Networks said feedback suggested broad support for designing new connections capable of supporting a higher capacity1.
"In some cases, this will increase the cost (associated with assets) for customers connecting for the first time"
The company said that because the work is carried out at the time of the new connections, it avoids costly upgrade works and associated local disruption1. It said the new standard will ensure the network is future proofed for a net zero future1. No figure for the increase in connection cost, and no detail of the capacity levels involved, has been reported1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Announced | 10 October 20231 |
| Consultation | Earlier in 20231 |
| New standard takes effect | 1 November 20231 |
| Applies to | New domestic connections1 |
| Cost effect | Increase in some cases, for customers connecting for the first time1 |
Why it matters for households
The design standard governs how the electricity network in Northern Ireland is built to serve a new home connection. Designing for higher capacity at the point of connection means a new connection should be able to carry the load of low carbon technologies without the network later needing upgrading to cope. For a household, that bears on whether a heat pump or an electric vehicle charger can be added without triggering upgrade work and the disruption that comes with it1.
The trade-off stated by NIE Networks is cost at the point of connection: some first-time connectors will pay more, in cases where the increase relates to assets1. The company's position is that paying at the time of connection avoids the costlier upgrade works later1. The standard applies to new domestic connections from 1 November 2023; it does not change existing connections, and no change for existing households has been reported1.
This sits within the wider regulation and policy framework for network companies, and alongside the arrangements operated by other network companies across the nations of the UK, such as UK Power Networks and Energy Supply in Scotland.
What happens next
The new design standard comes into effect on 1 November 20231. No further steps, review date or transitional arrangements for applications already in progress have been reported1.