UK Power Networks has launched a new online portal to streamline the process for connecting clean technologies such as EV chargers to the mains electricity network in London and the South East.

The platform will automatically refer customers if their electricity supply needs to be upgraded to manage the additional power needed to install an EV charge point

The new Smart Connect solution gives technology companies an instant decision on whether they can connect domestic electric vehicle charge points to the local electricity network, removing the need for multiple paper forms.

The new portal will automatically refer customers if their electricity supply needs to be upgraded to manage the additional power. Installers will also be able to see the current status of multiple applications at the click of a button.

The platform has been developed in collaboration with project partner Octopus Electric Vehicles and is the result of customer feedback that the old process for domestic vehicle-to-grid projects was confusing and time-consuming.

UK Power Networks is forecasting up to 700,000 electric heat pumps and 4.5m electric vehicles connected to its networks covering London, the East and South East by 2030.

Ian Cameron, head of customer service and innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “Millions of electric vehicles will connect to our networks over the next decade, and so it is critical that we find faster, smarter ways to facilitate the connection to the network and streamline the customer journey as customers go electric.

“We worked with experts in their fields to create a new customer journey that’s more responsive to their needs and will make a tangible difference to anyone looking to upgrade to low carbon technology in their home.”