- ESB Networks and Advanced Infrastructure launched a pilot self-screening tool to help customers assess grid connections.
- This tool aims to streamline applications, focusing on feasible requests to improve processing efficiency.
- Currently focused on demand connections, the project enhances ESB’s capacity screening service for a smoother customer experience.
ESB Networks and Advanced Infrastructure are accelerating the charging rollout across Ireland with grid connections partnership
Ireland’s ESB Networks is teaming up with Advanced Infrastructure to launch a new pilot project. The project will simplify the grid connection process for customers. It introduces a digital self-screening tool to help local authorities, EV charge-point developers, and other medium voltage demand customers assess their connection needs. This tool provides essential information on network capacity, estimated timelines, and cost projections. With these details, users can refine their connection requests before making a formal application.
This pilot program could significantly reduce the number of applications ESB Networks needs to process. By focusing on pre-screened, feasible applications, ESB Networks will improve efficiency and better manage Ireland’s growing demand for grid connections.
Ciaran Geaney, Innovation Manager, ESB Networks, said:
“ESB Networks is implementing self-serve, data-driven solutions to enhance our capacity screening service and make it more convenient for our customers to interact with us. We welcome working on this innovation pilot with Advanced Infrastructure to provide insights and learnings to enable us to enhance the connections journey and tailor what we need in terms of an enduring self-serve solution for our customers.”
Advanced Infrastructure was selected for this pilot through the Free Electrons Programme, which connects utility companies with innovative technology solutions. The company plans to adapt its existing Local Area Energy Planner Plus (LAEP+), a self-service tool already in use by half of the UK’s distribution network operators. LAEP+ allows users to model grid constraints and anticipate future energy needs, making it an ideal fit for ESB’s goals.
Lily Cairns Haylor, Co-Founder and Head of Product at Advanced Infrastructure, commented:
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to demonstrate the transformative power that a digital tool can bring to the pre-screening process for customers’ connections requirements. The need for an efficient, digital approach is urgent and this project with ESB Networks addresses this challenge head-on.
We have already seen the success that LAEP+ has achieved in speeding up Energy Transition planning across UK DNOs and we’re excited to work with ESB Networks to develop and pilot a solution that works for its customers.”
The project will enhance ESB Networks’ capacity screening services, helping customers better understand and meet their requirements. For now, the pilot will focus solely on demand connections, not generation requests. However, the initiative will be a major step toward a more efficient and customer-friendly connection process across Ireland’s energy network.
