RP7 Stakeholder Consultation WEB - Flipbook - Page 44
4. We will educate and
support customers with the
energy transition
NIE Networks is a key enabler of a
decarbonised society and so we are
commiting to the following.
•We will ensure the network is
developed to facilitate the forecast
connection of >300k electric
vehicles and a significant increase
of approximately 120k electric heat
pumps by 2030.
•We will ensure our processes and
policies are smart and flexible to
enable the 80% renewable target
outlined in the Climate Act NI to be
met.
•We will develop connections
innovation solutions to facilitate
meeting 2030 targets, including
non-firm connections, flexible and
timed connections, hybrid schemes
and community energy schemes.
•We will upskill our design engineers
on these solutions and will
provide expert technical advice to
customers.
•We will aim to be a trusted expert in
helping customers to transition to a
low carbon future and will;
oensure our website has simple
and easy to understand
information to make it easy for
customers to connect LCTs,
including EV chargers, heat
pumps and renewables;
ohold connections surgeries
to educate customers on the
grid connection process for
renewables, energy storage &
LCTs;
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5. We will improve our
connections services
•We will deliver the significantly
higher volumes of connections
expected in RP7 associated with
low carbon technologies (LCTs)
and renewables, whilst maintaining
our performance against, ‘Time
to Quote’ and ‘Time to Connect’,
metrics.
•We will develop digital platforms
to offer self-serve options to
customers to assist customers with
high level budget costs before they
make their application.
•We will provide network capacity
information at a more granular level.
Our network capacity map will be
available on our website to allow
customers to make more informed
investment decisions based on the
available capacity on the network.
•We will develop automated design
functionality to provide same day
online quotations to facilitate the
forecasted mass uptake of LCTs as
we transition to net zero.
•As well as providing digital
solutions we will provide enhanced
advice and support services for
those customers who wish to
speak with us before making their
application.
•We will build on the success of the
‘Online Connections Job Tracker’ to
make it easier for customers to step
through the connections process
from application to energisation.
•We will listen to customer feedback
on the job tracker and implement
a minimum of 3 improvements
annually.
oprovide advice on making
applications for small works,
community energy schemes,
generation and LCT applications;
•We will continue to promote fair
and open competition in Northern
Ireland to provide our customers
with choice.
osign-post customers to an
independent body for impartial
advice on non-connections.
aspects of the energy transition.
•We will enhance our service to
Independent Connections Providers
(ICPs) by providing them with a key
account contact.
Northern Ireland Electricty Networks
•We will engage with the Utility
Regulator and ICPs to evolve
competition in connections in
Northern Ireland and aim to agree a
mechanism with Utility Regulator to
fund any further expansion in RP7
as appropriate.
•We will advocate for a Connections
Charging Review in Northern Ireland
to more closely align connections
charging methodology in Northern
Ireland to that of neighbouring
jurisdictions. This will ensure there
is a level playing field in connections
charging in order to encourage
investment in the wider economy in
Northern Ireland. We are engaging
with the Utility Regulator on this
important matter.
