Flexible connections, allowing customers to connect to the grid quicker while avoiding the cost of network reinforcement, will now be available for all SSEN customers, and not just those in areas of constraint.

 

SSEN, the distribution operator for more than 4.1 million homes and businesses has opened the possibility of flexible connections to all its customers. Flexible connections allow customers to connect to the grid quicker but had previously only been offered to customers that live in areas of significant demand on the grid causing constraint.

 

The flexible connections offer is further evidence of the possibilities and opportunities created by the transition to a smarter network. SSEN is committed to facilitating these new markets in a neutral and transparent manner, as it moves from a Distribution Network Operator (DNO), to a Distribution System Operator (DSO).

Andrew Roper, DSO Director at SSEN said:

 

"The proliferation of low-carbon technology and generation opens up opportunities for our customers to engage with the electricity system that serves them, in new and exciting ways. We are taking this step to be responsive to customer needs, and in response to what customers were telling us."

 

"In 2015 SSEN launched the Connections Customer Steering Panel and allows the company's senior management team to meet with customers face-to-face and hear first-hand about their connections experience, and what actions that SSEN should be taken."

 

"SSEN is committed to acting on the comments, ideas and suggestions that result from our engagement with our customers, and this is the perfect example of this. Our customers said that they want choice when it comes to connections, and by offering flexible connections to all customers, SSEN is responding and making that possible."

 

Generation customers that are seeking to connect to the gird will now have the option to choose flexible over traditional, and SSEN is embedding this practice as Business-As-Usual, meaning the choice will be open to all those located in its two distribution areas.

 

Since moving to this offering on 18 April 2019, SSEN has already received applications in both distribution areas from generation customers seeking to take advantage of the benefits of flexible connection.

Customers can find out more information here: https://www.ssen.co.uk/FlexibleConnections/