Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution and National Grid announced on 13 March 2024 that an innovative technical solution has accelerated electricity connection dates for housing developments in parts of the London boroughs of Hounslow, Hillingdon and Ealing1. The work was carried out in partnership with the Electricity System Operator and the Greater London Authority1.
The solution enables ramped connections, which deliver increased electricity supply over time rather than all at once1. Through it, developments totalling 7,800 homes have had their connection dates brought forward, equating to 10.5 megavolt amperes (MVA) of demand capacity1. In most cases, projects previously given connection dates into the 2030s now have a pathway to connect in the next 12 to 24 months, in line with developer timescales1.
The programme of work began in July 2022, following a significant upsurge in connection applications from large demand sources such as data centres1. SSEN said sufficient capacity is expected to be available to connect more homes if and when they come forward in future, supporting housing, commerce and local low-carbon energy needs such as heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points1.
The measures include new ways of modelling demand and new contracts at distribution level, alongside an estimated 76MVA of network flexibility services that SSEN expects to contract in its London boroughs by June 20241. Those flexibility services will include battery storage and incentives for energy users to turn down demand at certain times to reduce network peaks, usually early morning and evening, allowing more projects to connect ahead of network upgrades1.
"This collaborative work is a great example of what can be achieved when networks and local government work together to tackle the issues that matter."
SSEN said its plans include £300m of strategic investment in the West London area alone1. John Twomey, Head of Connections at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said the work would continue, including exploring long term upgrades required to the transmission network in the region1.
Why it matters for households
Connection dates determine when new homes can be energised, so a delay at this stage holds up occupation regardless of how quickly the buildings themselves go up. For households, the practical effect is that homes in these three boroughs can be brought into use years earlier than the original queue position implied, and the same capacity is intended to serve low-carbon equipment such as heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charge points1.
The flexibility element matters too. Battery storage and payments for turning demand down at peak times are ways of freeing network room without waiting for physical upgrades1. That approach shifts some of the constraint management onto how and when electricity is used, rather than only onto new cables and substations. The arrangements described apply to West London; the announcement does not set out how the approach would be applied in other areas, and no costs to households are given1.
What happens next
SSEN expects to contract an estimated 76MVA of network flexibility services in its London boroughs by June 20241. National Grid said it will continue work to unlock further capacity in the area, including exploring long term upgrades to the transmission network in the region1.