Turner & Townsend’s latest market intelligence report on UK construction highlights that grid access has overtaken planning as the biggest bottleneck for developers. As demand for electricity rises developers are facing increased costs and long waits for viable connections – but there’s a simple solution which most developers are unaware of.
Vattenfall IDNO research shows that 65% of developers, facilities managers and sustainability leaders are unaware of Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) and the rebates they offer. These Asset Adoption Values (AAVs) can cut grid connection costs dramatically.
“Developers are missing out,” says Suzanna Lashford, Head of Business Development at Vattenfall IDNO. “This is effectively free money — a rebate that offsets capital expenditure. But more than half the people procuring grid connections in construction and the public sector are unaware of IDNOs and the rebates we can offer.”
The impact of working directly with an IDNO is clear, in one example Vattenfall cut a developer’s grid connection costs by 95% for a student housing scheme in Bath. “The original quote from the local DNO was significantly higher than expected, but Vattenfall offered a much more competitive solution that made a real difference to the viability of the scheme” says Ron Plunz, Director at Alumno. “The transparency, support and expertise we received were outstanding throughout.”
Too often, developers leave their contractors or Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) to specify how their grid connection is procured. In some cases, rebates are retained by the ICP or lost entirely if the local DNO is used instead. That means longer lead times, higher costs, and missed opportunities. “Developers should see IDNOs as strategic partners” adds Lashford. “Selecting an IDNO yourself is one of the simplest ways to unlock significant savings for your development.”
To make this process even easier, Vattenfall IDNO has launched a Simple Grid Consultancy service. Aimed at sub-2MVA projects, it provides feasibility studies, Point of Connection applications, route mapping, mini tenders for contestable works, and free legal support for land rights. Backed by Vattenfall’s Grid Capacity Insights Platform, the service helps identify sites with available power and avoids failed grid applications.
Crucially, the service also comes with a money-back guarantee: if Vattenfall cannot save a client money on their overall connection fees, the consultancy charge is refunded.
“Grid access has become the new bottleneck,” says Stewart Dawson, Managing Director at Vattenfall IDNO. “Our consultancy offers early clarity, sound technical advice, and clear cost-saving strategies without locking developers into long-term contracts.”
In a market where every pound matters, grid connections are too important to leave in someone else’s hands. By choosing to work with an IDNO instead of their local DNO, developers can reduce costs, de-risk projects, and accelerate connection time frames.
Why leave money on the table? See how Vattenfall IDNO’s Simple Grid Consultancy can cut your next project’s costs.
This content was supplied by Vattenfall Networks Ltd… learn more….
Got a story? Email [email protected]
