The following steps explain the various checks that will be undertaken to establish a customer’s suitability to take part in a trial, with the anticipation of that customer then utilising the ‘snowball effect’ to recruit neighbours to form a cluster. These steps will include:

Geographical check (within participating DNO area)
Once initial contact has been made with an area where there may be a potential cluster, the first check will be that it is in an appropriate area of the country (for the first six months this will be SSEPD and Northern Powergrid’s licence areas). The first check that can be carried out by potential participants but also by partners is to confirm that they live within one of the eligible postcode areas (during the first six months).

Confirmation of interest after initial information pack sent
As well as contact details for potential individuals, a request will be made for a central contact who is able to disseminate information and help arrange further recruitment events. The best form of communication, email, telephone or letter will be agreed.

Survey of the low voltage (LV) network and transformers (if monitors can be installed on substation)
A survey of the LV network and transformers will be carried out to ensure that the equipment can be installed. This will also provide information about which homes can form a cluster as this is dictated by the electricity feeders to which they are connected. This information will be conveyed to initial potential participants so they can work to attract further participants in suitable areas. It will also give an indication of the number of EV charging points that can be connected to the feeders depending on their loading and construction.

Charging point survey
Zero Carbon Futures (ZCF) will carry out a home or workplace survey to assess suitability for charging point installation. ZCF will aim to carry out the survey at the same time as the Power Line Carrier (PLC) survey (see below), where possible, to lessen any disruption and inconvenience to the customer.

PLC survey to check that the communications are possible in the area
ANDTR will carry out a PLC survey to check that the communications are possible in the area. This will require access to plug sockets either in customers’ homes or any local community buildings, as well as their local distribution substation. Where possible, plug sockets will be tested at community buildings, avoiding the need to enter customer’s homes near the end of feeders. This may not be possible in each instance and therefore it is expected that some customers will need to allow testing in their homes. Local contacts and ‘ambassadors’ will negotiate with customers and managers of community buildings to find the most convenient time and make arrangements for the checks to be carried out. The test, which will be performed by ANDTR, will involve plugging in a CE-marked device into any plug socket on the premises (in customers’ homes or in community buildings) to send a signal back to the substation. If this signal is received at the local substation then it is likely that the area will be appropriate to take part in the trials. The test normally requires a short visit of up to 30 minutes. This process will be explained fully to willing homeowners and managers of community buildings prior to the testing.

Credit checks
Fleetdrive Electric will carry out credit checks on those who are interested. This information will remain confidential and will be held securely by Fleetdrive Electric.
Please see our data protection policy.

Timescales
Timescales for establishment of each trial cluster will depend upon finding at least ten people to take part. The My Electric Avenue project team will establish timescale guidelines with you once at least ten people in the local area have been engaged.

Apply to take part in My Electric Avenue