New "API bridge" gives instant approval to over 90% of domestic low carbon technology installers
UK Power Networks is building a new API bridge to help low carbon electricity customers get connected faster.
In 2022 UK Power Networks launched the industry-first Smart Connect platform to instantly approve connections for the vast majority of new electric vehicle charge points and solar panels, where it operates in London, the East and South East.
They are now supporting the Energy Networks Association’s (ENAs) Connect Direct platform which serves as a one-stop-shop for low carbon technology (LCT) installers all over the country by centralising the application process. The ENA’s portal taps directly into UK Power Networks’ own Smart Connect system via an API, a digital interface that enables the two platforms to talk to each other.
This means installers who operate nationwide will no longer have to contact individual distribution network operators for installations in different parts of the country. Instead they can use a single portal for all their domestic applications. Each application through Connect Direct automatically feeds into the correct operator’s application system, making it easier to gain approval.
As well as auto-approving the majority of domestic connections applications in a matter of minutes, the platform also allows customers to get approval for up to 5kW of solar and battery storage, significantly higher than the industry standard 3.68kW.
Over the past year, this has enabled an additional 12,000 applications to be approved, generating over 16 megawatts of green energy, enough to power over 10,000 homes.
Suleman Alli director of Finance, Customer Service and Technology at UK Power Networks, said:
“Speeding up the connections process for installers will help our customers make active progress towards heading green, and hopefully inspire more people to make the step to sustainable technologies.
“In a little over two years, since the launch of our Smart Connect portal, we’ve seen applications for domestic batteries and solar installations rise over 700%. With Connect Direct, that number is only going to rise.”
Mohammed Mirza, head of Delivery and Customer Care at Evergen Solar said:
“Our collaboration with this software marks a pivotal moment in the renewable industry. Previously, these application confirmations took an average of two to four weeks depending on your network operator. Now, 80% of applications receive approval within five minutes of submission, significantly reducing waiting times for our valued customers and ensuring their systems are registered.”
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