Do Commercial EV Chargers Need DNO Approval? What UK Businesses Need to Know
Yes, you’ve heard it here: commercial EV charger installations in the UK require either a post-installation notification or a formal pre-approval application from your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), depending on the total electrical load and capacity of your site.
A DNO is a regional company that owns and maintains the local electricity grid (such as SSEN or UK Power Networks, depending on your location). They need to track new EV installations to prevent local power overloads.
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NOTIFICATION VS FORMAL PRE-APPROVAL APPLICATION <
A post-installation notification is for a small setup, such as a single low-power charger added to a commercial property with plenty of existing electrical headroom, which only requires your installer to submit a notification to the DNO after the work is completed.
A formal pre-approval application is required for larger setups, such as multiple charging points, rapid DC chargers, or any installation that exceeds the maximum allowed capacity, it requires a formal application and written consent before any installation work begins. Applications like G99 can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks (or longer if network reinforcements are needed).
WHAT DO BUSINESSES N EED TO KNOW?
We have gathered together the facts you need to know right here!
CHECK YOUR MAXIMUM DEMAND
Commercial sites have a defined intake capacity; adding heavy EV loads without checking the capacity can trip the main fuses or breach your contract with your energy supplier.
If you’re not sure about your demand, we can help you! Complete our free, no-obligation desktop consultation and we’ll estimate your maximum demand.
SMART LOAD BALANCING
Installing smart load-balancing hardware can help distribute site electricity, sometimes avoiding costly grid upgrades.
YOUR INSTALLER HANDLES IT
A qualified, professional commercial installer will conduct an initial site survey, calculate your total electrical load, and submit the current Energy Networks Association (ENA) application or notification on your behalf. This is part of our process, we fill in a DNO application for you directly on your behalf.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR ELECTRICAL CAPACITY IS TOO LOW?
If your existing electrical supply can’t meet the charging demand, there are several ways to address the problem.
UPGRADE THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
One option is to request a network reinforcement from the DNO. This can provide the additional capacity needed for a larger EV charging installation, but it can also involve high costs and extended timescales. For larger projects, such as fleet depots or sites requiring rapid charging, you may need to upgrade the connection.
REDUCE THE NUMBER OR POWER OF THE CHARGERS
Another option is to install fewer chargers or choose lower-powered units. While this can reduce the immediate demand on the electrical supply, it may limit the site's charging capacity and restrict future expansion.
USE SMART LOAD MANAGEMENT
Load management provides another way to work within the site's existing electrical capacity. The system continuously monitors the building's electricity demand and automatically adjusts the power available to the EV chargers.
When the building’s electricity consumption increases, the charging output can be reduced. When more electrical capacity becomes available, the chargers can increase their output again.
This means a business could operate multiple EV charge points without needing the full electrical capacity required if every charger operated at maximum power simultaneously.
WHY DOES THE DNO CARE ABOUT SMART CHARGING?
Smart charging and load management can help businesses manage the extra electricity demand from multiple EV chargers. By adjusting charging power according to the site’s available capacity and overall electricity demand, smart systems can help reduce peak loads and make better use of existing electrical infrastructure.
The UK Government and Ofgem recognise smart charging as an important part of managing growing EV demand and supporting more efficient use of the electricity network (Gov.UK).
WHERE WE CAN HELP!
Choosing the right battery size is an important part of designing an effective commercial energy storage system, but you should also consider your site’s existing electrical infrastructure and any Distribution Network Operator (DNO) requirements.
Larger battery systems, particularly when combined with commercial solar or EV charging, may require a DNO application or connection assessment.
At Excel Energy, we can assess your business’s energy usage, electrical capacity and project requirements to help determine the right battery storage solution for your site. We also support businesses with DNO applications and connection processes, alongside providing commercial solar, battery storage and EV charging solutions as part of a wider energy strategy.
If you’re considering battery storage for your business, speak to one of our renewable energy experts to discuss your requirements and find the right solution for your site.