UK Power Networks says its new electric vehicle charging surgery for local councils could save them millions of pounds by matching chargepoints with network capacity.
The network operator said finding alternative locations could save as much as £20,000 for a single charge point.
Under the free service, UKPN said its connections team undertakes a detailed analysis of where a local authority plans to install charge points, and suggests the most cost-effective alternative locations.
With some 152 local authorities across its network area, many of whom have made ambitious decarbonisation commitments, UKPN said the savings could amount to millions for local authorities which cover large regions.
To date, UKPN said it has worked with 17 local authorities and identified more than 400 lower cost locations for charge points.
“Councils want to provide on-street charging infrastructure in the right places at the right time to encourage uptake of electric vehicles and making best use of their limited funds and available grants. They told us they were concerned they don’t have the insight into residents’ behaviour or the technical knowledge to make informed decisions, so we are taking a collaborative approach to best deliver the transition to electric vehicles,” said Neil Madgwick, UKPN head of Connections Service Delivery.
“We look forward to continuing helping local authorities install charging infrastructure to support residents who don’t have access to off-street parking, and their local businesses and taxi fleets.”
Kent County Council cabinet Member for Environment, Susan Carey, was effusive about the service.
“The support we received from UK Power Networks has been invaluable to installing electric vehicle charge points in Kent. Participating in the surgeries not only saved the council money, but freed up many hours of officers’ time in helping assess the most appropriate locations to place the chargers.”
