The project will look to overcome an initial barrier to Low Carbon Technology (LCT) uptake by producing Connection Readiness Indicators so customers can easily understand how ready a property is to connect an LCT, and give them the ability to request a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) proactively carry out works to upgrade fuses/cut-outs/looped services and remove the potential for delays when they eventually look to install an LCT. This will help customers avoid facing a “distress purchase” scenario where their existing heating system fails and only then are they made aware of the timescales involved in upgrading fuses/cut-outs or removing looped services. The project also aims to demonstrate how having access to data on incumbent heating systems can help DNOs improve network investment activities.

Benefits

Using a project cost of £555,575 to deliver the LCT Connection Readiness Indicator, we can expect a benefit of approximately 5 times the investment made to deliver the solution in SSEN-D network areas.

In addition, we should highlight the expected additional benefits which are harder to quantify but no less important – any delays in replacing a failed heating system can result in customers taking days off work to hurriedly research possible solutions and get checks carried out, possibly face financial burden from finding alternative accommodation or temporary heating/hot water solutions if they were determined to wait for the required works to get a HP, and experience the stress of the overall situation. Ultimately customers may simply opt for another fossil fuel heating system, which delays their and GB’s transition to low carbon heating.