ENA’s ‘instant’ grid connection platform gets 1,000 applications in first month

An AI-powered platform designed to streamline the connections process for domestic low-carbon technologies (LCT) has attracted 1,000 applications within its first month of operation.

Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) Connect Direct uses AI image recognition software to assesses whether pictures provided by installers show electrical cut-outs that are suitable for the type of connection described in the associated application.

Where the software cannot determine this or it is ambiguous, the image is sent to a technical expert for checking, with an average processing time of 1.5 days. Previously the service level agreement stipulated a processing time of 10 days.

The new platform, ENA said, “provides a streamlined system which uses artificial intelligence to provide instant approvals for most routine applications”.

“The digital system has also helped eliminate the manual transposing issues that potentially slowed applications in previous years,” it added.

Dan Clarke, head of innovation at ENA, said: “I am delighted so many installers have made use of the platform already, and the feedback from users has been incredible, with one installer stating, ‘this platform is a dream come true!’

“It is the sort of tangible improvement that the installers, manufacturers, the distribution network operators and ultimately the customer, will benefit from. The insights and data the system helps to centralise also supports network operators in having a live overview of LCT installations that they need to operate a smarter and more efficient network in the years ahead.”

Elsewhere in the utilities sector, Southern Water has also revealed how it is using AI to reduce storm overflows.

Using a product called Centaur Gates, AI will be used to respond to surface water in the system in real time, utilising capacity within the existing pipe network to store it, preventing spills from the target overflow.

“The gate actively controls flow during any storm event, balancing the use of that existing capacity against the levels in the storm overflow. This helps prevent spills and enables excess water to be passed to our treatment works for processing rather than it being released through a storm overflow,” said Southern.

One of these gates has already been installed at Southern’s Terminus Road facility in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, while a further two will be installed in Whitstable, Kent, at Diamond Road and Tankerton Circus in the coming months.

Southern Water’s pathfinder lead for the Isle of Wight, Keith Herbert, said: “We’re keen to explore innovative new ways including cutting edge technology like this to help reduce storm overflows.

“We believe if this is successful it has the potential to be a gamechanger as it is more cost-effective and less carbon heavy than other methods like building storm tanks.”