FAQs

Please see below for Frequently Asked Questions on Low Carbon Technology Connections.

• Is there an electric vehicle charge point map?

  Your nearest vehicle charge point can be found at the link below.

  EV Charge Point Map

• Do I need to contact NIE Networks prior to installing a charge point or heat pump?

  Yes, all applications must be made pre-installation. NIE Networks will then approve the application, or, if required, raise a job to assess the property directly and implement any interventions where necessary.

• Do all installations to existing properties require NIE Networks intervention?

  No, the majority of installations do not require intervention, however, in some cases we may need us to upgrade your electricity supply first. 

• How do I submit an application form?

  Applications should be submitted online by your Installer using the link below.

  Submit Application
• Who can submit an application?

  Anyone who is competent to install an EV charge point or Heat Pump can submit a form, including instances where the installer is working on behalf of the customer at that property.

• Will NIE Networks refuse the installation of an EV charge point or Heat Pump?

  No, NIE Networks is obliged to facilitate the installation/connection of new loads to the power network, as part of our license condition.

• How long will it take for remedial works to be completed?

  This will vary depending on the nature of the intervention required to deliver an adequate supply to the property being assessed. Each connection is different, so the premises and network must be assessed before providing an estimate time of delivery.

• What is Maximum Demand (MD)?

  The Maximum Demand of a circuit, property, section of network, or network that considers all loads associated with that network that could be expected to be drawn at the same time.

• How do I calculate the MD of a premises?

  There is guidance in the IET Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment Installation on supply adequacy (Maximum Demand) assessment. This information is critical to understanding if the EV charge point or Heat Pump can be supported by the network.

  There are different approaches to determining a site’s MD, including:

  • Use existing information – this is the best approach when there is available data on the specific loads in the house. However, this may not always be the case.
  • Determine loads installed – this approach takes diversity into consideration where appropriate. For this purpose there are different guidelines to assist installers, including:
    • Electrical installation design guide – calculations for electricians and designers
    • On-site guide BS 7671:2018 – IET wiring regulations, 18th Edition

  Please contact the IET if you have further questions on the guidance.

  Some installers may chose to post their customers an internet connected monitoring device which connects to the customer’s internet router and clamps a split Current Transformer (CT) around the supply meter tail.  Data is then remotely collected over two weeks at ten minute intervals, before being analysed to arrive at an accurate MD without the need for a site visit.

• What is a cut-out?

  A cut-out is a piece of electrical equipment that forms the link between NIE Networks electricity cable and the internal wires in your property. To identify what cut-out your property has and its associated rating, you will first need to identify it and potentially speak to NIE Networks. Certain older cut-outs would not be capable of the increased supply required following the connection of an EV charger or heat pump and will need to be upgraded by NIE Networks. The ENA has created a Cut-Out Rating Guidance document for EV and HP Installers.

• How do I identify issues with the property’s cut-out?

  There is guidance available from the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) on identifying issues with distribution network equipment. Installers sometimes ask for photographs prior to site visit to save resource. One should also read the aforementioned ENA Guidance document.

• How do I identify the rating of the cut-out fuse?

  The rating of a cut-out fuse can usually be identified through a visual inspection of the cut-out. In some cases NIE Networks may have to identify the rating of the cut-out fuse as it’s not always obvious. Please see notes in the new process for further guidance.

• What is an MPRN and where can I find it?

  The MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) can be found on a copy of the electricity bill for that supply.

• Where can I find guidance on installing an EV chargepoint?

  The IET’s Code of Practice on Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (IET CoP) provides guidance and outlines best practice for installers on a range of installation issues.

  The IET Code of Practice highlights the installer's responsibility to:

  • Assess the adequacy of the supply capacity for the new Electric Vehicle load plus any existing load, before installing the charging equipment.
  • Assess the adequacy of the earthing, before installing the charging equipment.
  • Notify NIE Networks of the installation.
• What is a looped service?

  Some cut-outs have more than one service cable terminated in the cut-out. Such a situation indicates a 'Looped Service' where there are one or more services connected via the cut-out. Note this may impact on the adequacy of the service equipment. Looped services may be found anywhere but are often in rural areas and terraced housing. For more information on looped services, please see page 10 of the ENA Cut Out Rating Guidance.

• What is an import or load limiting device?

  An import or load limiting device is a piece of hardware and/or software that limits the demand (i.e. the amount of current drawn) by a premise(s). In the case of an EV charge point/Heat Pump, this can be thought of as an EV/HP curtailment scheme. This must be factored into calculations when populating the EV/HP application form. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the Maximum Demand(s) stated are correct, factoring in the effects of any load limiting devices or EV/HP curtailment schemes. The load limiting device must also “fail-safe", i.e. when it is not operating or has failed, it must not result in the limitations of the connection being exceeded.

  Please note that this FAQ and associated clarification only refers to import, i.e. EV/HP acting as demand only, and it is not applicable to V2G/grid export limitation, which is covered by ENA Engineering Recommendation G100