UK Power Networks has launched a new connection service that will help customers on independent electricity networks bring renewable energy and low-carbon projects online faster and at lower cost.
For the first time, customers of Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) can access UK Power Networks’ Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS), an intelligent platform that monitors and manages distributed energy resources in real time.
The system supports technologies including solar farms, battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs. By actively managing these assets, DERMS unlocks existing network capacity that would otherwise remain unused, reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
The latest development extends these benefits to IDNO customers, offering greater flexibility, lower upfront costs and faster connections.
GRIDSERVE’s EV charging hub at Extra Motorway Services in Cobham, connected through ESP Utilities Group, is the first fully flexible demand customer connecting to an IDNO network. The project demonstrates how DERMS can support sites that consume electricity, as well as those generating renewable energy.
Daniel Saker, Head of Network Strategy at UK Power Networks Distribution System Operator, says, “This is a landmark moment for UK Power Networks as we bring a new connection offering to IDNO customers. By enabling smarter, more flexible connections, we’re helping businesses and communities get their low-carbon projects online faster and more efficiently.”
Justin Barter, Director of EV and Delivery at ESP Utilities Group, says, “Opening the first IDNO DERMS connection in the UK is a significant step forward. Combining our technical expertise with UK Power Networks’ will now allow future customers to benefit from this flexible connection type, which will speed up project delivery and reduce reinforcement costs.”
Kostas Fouskis, Senior Grid Manager at GRIDSERVE, adds, “Access to DERMS for demand is a major step forward for high-power EV charging.”
The development forms part of a wider effort to create a smarter, more flexible electricity network capable of accommodating growing demand for renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.
