We've started delivering vital improvements to the electricity connections of hundreds of our customers as part of a pilot programme to support the uptake of efficient, cost-saving Low-Carbon Technologies.
This programme is an integral part of our work to support households who are looking to take advantage of the financial and environmental benefits offered by heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicles (EVs), and air-conditioning units.
What is a ‘looped’ supply?
Some domestic electricity connections need an upgrade because they are currently on what is known as a ‘looped’ supply.
When these homes were constructed in the second half of the 20th century, they were initially fitted out with this kind of connection to save money and because the need for greater electricity use wasn’t a factor at that time.
In basic terms, it means an electricity connection coming from the cable in the street is shared with a next-door neighbour.
Our sector-leading data-led assessments estimate that around half a million (16%) of homes in our licence areas still have a looped supply. As customer interest in air conditioning, EVs, solar panels, and heat pumps has increased, we've been working hard to respond to growing demand for the removal of looped connections in a timely manner.
Our offer to selected customers
This initial pilot programme is offering up to 1,200 homeowners the opportunity to have their connection ‘unlooped’. The customers being approached at this time have been selected because our data indicates a higher probability of looped connections where their properties are located, and due of the nature of the work that will need to be undertaken. Selected customers in Swindon, Southampton, Lee-on-Solent and Ash in Surrey are being offered this service at this time. Letters have already been sent to them, and these are being followed-up by in-person visits.
The delivery of these improvements in peoples’ homes will provide our experts with invaluable, practical information about how these connections were initially installed, and how they can be successfully and efficiently upgraded. Participants in this pilot programme – in common with all customers for whom we'll carry out such improvements – will not be charged at the point of delivery for these works. An appropriate level of reinstatement following any more major works which may be needed will also be provided.
More information can be found at this special website: http://www.ssen.co.uk/improvements
What if I don’t live in one of the pilot areas?
We're in the advanced stages of developing an AI-led tool which will allow customers to be able to find out quickly and easily if their supply is looped, wherever they live in our licence areas. Once they have this information, customers can get in touch with us to progress arranging the necessary upgrades, which will be delivered at no upfront cost.
Andy Wainwright, SSEN Distribution’s Whole Systems Manager and lead for the programme that’s improving connections to homes, says:
“The improvement of domestic electricity connections to support the adoption of cost-effective, efficient technologies is a big task facing all Distribution Network Operators in the coming years, and it’s one we’re working hard to deliver on for our customers.
“We’re aware that many households won’t even know they have a connection which needs improving, so as well as delivering these upgraded connections, we’re working hard to inform our customers if they might be among those who need to consider these improvements in the years to come.
“While the practicality of delivering these benefits will mean a degree of short-term upheaval for customers, the long-term benefits of a connection that support all the benefits EVs, heat pumps – some of which of course can also function as air conditioning units during hotter spells – and solar panels can bring will be felt as soon as such technologies are able to be installed and long into the future.
“So, if we write to you with an offer to have your connection unlooped, please give this some consideration, and come back to us if you have any questions. Our team of experts will be happy to explain the process and how it’ll benefit you.”