Our comprehensive support allows retailers to successfully navigate the grid connection process, ensuring efficient project delivery and cost control.

As a retailer, you’ve likely encountered various challenges in managing the process of connecting to the electricity grid. The process can be frustrating, time-consuming, and complicated, especially when installing new high-voltage (HV) connections.

Here are some common issues faced by our retail clients:

1. Power Availability Constraints

  • The UK is facing severe connectivity challenges, with around 400 gigawatts of projects awaiting connection to the national grid. Some projects face delays of 10-15 years.
  • We help our retail clients by conducting early assessments at the portfolio level to determine available power, estimated connection costs, reinforcement timelines, and the feasibility of interim loads.

2. Complexity of the Process

  • DNO Processes: Each Distribution Network Operator (DNO) follows its own Point of Connection (POC) process, adding complexity to grid connections. At ESP, we have a dedicated team of specialists who manage all POC requirements, navigate the complex DNO processes, and ensure all milestones are tracked.
  • Land Rights: DNO land rights requirements differ by region, with varying criteria for securing land access. Our in-house legal team specializes in securing land rights for both HV and LV connections, using pre-agreed documentation with each DNO to streamline the process.
  • Technical and Design Standards: Every site has unique technical factors, including regional DNO requirements, load, and fault levels. We handle the NERS-accredited design process early on to mitigate time and cost risks.

3. Construction Delays

  • Choosing the right contractors is critical to avoid costly delays. We assist retail CPOs in defining clear scopes for Independent Connection Provider (ICP) works, ensuring confidence in like-for-like costs and minimizing unexpected variations.

 

Get connected

Get Connected with ESP

At ESP, we’ve developed our “Get Connected” solution to help retail CPOs overcome the challenges of grid connection, offering a faster, easier, and more cost-effective alternative. Acting as an independent and trusted advisor, we provide comprehensive support to streamline the process.

  • Our “Get Connected” service includes:
  • Managing points of connection (POC)
  • Conducting grid connection feasibility assessments
  • Handling electrical design approvals (NERS) for DNOs
  • Overseeing contractor and equipment procurement
  • Accelerating land rights
  • Adopting connection assets
  • Delivering market-leading asset management support

With ESP’s “Get Connected” offering, retail CPOs can navigate the grid connection process with confidence and ease.

Partner with ESP

* Photo © 2023 Osprey Charging

Why Partner with ESP?

When you partner with ESP, you benefit from industry-leading expertise and significant savings in time and costs. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Faster Land Rights: ESP completes land rights for substation leases in less than 12 weeks from design instruction—compared to the 12-18 months typically taken by DNOs.
  • Retail EV Installation Experts: With over 255 MVA of EV sites energized, we are leaders in retail EV installation projects.
  • Significant Cost Savings:
    • We saved one client over £1.4 million in DNO reinforcement costs by successfully challenging the POC offer.
    • Our ICP tendering service consistently saves CPOs 20% on the construction costs of a typical EV site.

Partner with ESP for unparalleled efficiency, expertise, and savings on your next project.

View case study

Case Study: Sainsbury’s Enfield – Smart Charge EV Hub

Project Highlights

  • Site connected through ESP’s “Get Connected” solution
  • Marks Sainsbury’s 50th Smart Charge site, officially launched on June 12, 2024
  • Features a 12-bay ultra-rapid charging station with Kempower satellites
  • Powered by the same 100% renewable energy that powers the Sainsbury’s estate
  • Conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Junction 25 of the M25
  • Built on Sainsbury’s own land
  • Compatible with all rapid-charging vehicles
  • Designed with a flow-thru layout for easy access and maximum charger availability
  • Charging facilities offer customers the convenience of the Sainsbury’s Superstore, Argos, and Specsavers, with the Colosseum Retail Park nextdoor.

 

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“At Smart Charge, we have leveraged ESP’s expertise to maintain our rollout momentum, successfully launching 50 EV sites within the past 10 months. Despite the challenges faced at our Enfield site, ESP promptly assisted us in overcoming obstacles, ensuring the project stayed on schedule. Their expertise in the industry and technical skills guided us through every step from power acquisition to construction. The partnership with ESP has played a vital role in the success of the Smart Charge rollout.”

Mark Sowter,
Smart Charge Head of EV Delivery

Request a callback

Get in touch by email at esp-ev-commercial@espug.com or on 01372 587 500.

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