EV charge points fast-tracked in South East

Almost 1,000 electric vehicle (EV) chargers have been fast-tracked to connect to the electricity network in London, the South East and East of England.

Since the launch of Smart Connect, an online portal for charge point installers in February 2021, UK Power Networks said it has approved more than 2,000 new applications for electric car chargers, heat pumps, batteries and solar panels in record time.

UK Power Networks says the portal streamlines the process so installers can work more efficiently and install more devices for more customers.

To date, 983 (more than half) of the 1,720 new electric car charging applications have been instantly approved by the portal, meaning devices could be connected straight away.

Ian Cameron, head of customer service and innovation at UK Power Networks said: “Millions of electric cars and heat pumps will connect to our networks over the next decade.

“Through tools like Smart Connect we’ll make sure - whether we’re working with installers or directly with consumers - they can all connect at pace.”

The service works by using artificial Intelligence (AI) to process data about each household installation.

When an installer applies to connect a new car charger, Smart Connect refers customers to a UK Power Networks expert if the electricity supply needs to be upgraded to gain additional power. If no upgrades are required, the tool provides an automatic assessment and then auto approval.

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