Navigating the electric grid: How IDNOs offer a simpler route
Suzanna Lashford, Business Development Manager at Vattenfall IDNO, explains how a more flexible and ‘value engineered’ approach saves businesses time and money when applying for a new commercial grid connection. .
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Securing a commercial grid connection in the UK was once a long, singular odyssey filled with obstacles. However, with soaring demand for clean energy and consumer feedback highlighting the complexity and rigidity of the process, new, more flexible avenues have emerged to accelerate progress towards our electrified future.
Historically, Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) traditionally managed all grid connection applications across the UK, but in 2000 Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) were introduced to help alleviate the workload and introduce competition to the market. Both DNOs and IDNOs are licensed energy professionals adhering to industry standards, but IDNOs differentiate themselves by offering a more tailored, customer-centric approach to network design, with a strong focus on value engineering.
“IDNO’s have different priorities,” explains Suzanna Lashford, Business Development Manager at Vattenfall Networks. “Like DNOs we are equally focused on delivering safe and secure grid infrastructure, and resilient designs which will last; but we’re also keen to understand developer’s goals and longer-term objectives.”
Tailored solutions for diverse needs
While the DNO route may suit experienced developers who are well-versed in technical terminology and require less support, or those with ample capital, or who are less affected by longer application processes, it is not often the most efficient or cost-effective solution. DNOs, due to their significant workload, often cannot tailor their approach to individual client needs. Consequently, there has been an increase in businesses approaching IDNOs after receiving quotes and design proposals from their local DNOs, seeking a more flexible and customer-led approach to gaining a connection.
IDNOs, being inherently customer-focused, can deliver more bespoke solutions that maximise efficiency and minimise costs. Their flexibility allows for innovative thinking and opportunities for improvements, alternative cable routes, different configurations of onsite infrastructure, and even different technology choices, components, and materials.
Lashford elaborates: “For example, Vattenfall IDNOs might propose a different cable route between the local substation and the client’s site that, while shorter and cost-saving, crosses several different landowners’ properties. This might seem complex, but our in-house legal team specialises in obtaining land rights, ensuring a cheaper solution without burdening the client with managing multiple landowners.”
Planning ahead for an electrified future
By partnering with an IDNO, businesses have an alternative for developing their electrical infrastructure in a way that aligns with their plans. If a business anticipates needing more power or aims to export power from renewables in the future, the connection can be designed to keep initial costs low while paving the way for future expansions, thus future-proofing against additional long-term costs.
Another significant advantage is that IDNOs can reserve grid capacity ahead of time, with power released as needed through flexible ramping rates, leading to substantial cost savings. This proactive approach ensures businesses can accommodate planned capacity upgrades efficiently.
Given the increasing electrical power demands to meet net zero and electrification goals, partnership with an IDNO for grid connection upgrades becomes a strategic decision. Value engineering is crucial in order to save clients time, effort, and money, while contributing to the UK's ambitious goal of decarbonising the power system by 2035.
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