Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Not Addressed
Electricity grid connection processes remain unfit for purpose, delaying charge point rollout
Conclusion
As with motorway service areas, many of these locations are limited by the strength of the local electricity network and the ability to enhance and connect to it. The Government recognises that the processes to receive electricity grid connections are increasingly unfit for purpose and take too long, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Ofgem have put in place a Connections Action Plan to seek to remedy this. However, the connections queue is still growing, with competing demands from other activity such as housing developments and new housing and internet cloud storage, which may not all be satisfied if grid connections do not accelerate. 34 When asked how the Department is working with grid operators to enable charge point installation specifically, the Department explained that there remain challenges with inconsistent process between network operators, and with people being aware of the standing charges they would pay when they request an enhanced connection. The Department stated that it did a piece of work with charge point companies and the Energy Networks Association on the specific grid connection challenges they face, to get them to work together more efficiently and smooth out processes. 35 31 Qq71–72; C&AG’s Report para 13 32 C&AG’s Report para 8 33 Q 84 34 Qq 81, 98; C&AG’s Report 14 35 Q 81 14
Government Response Summary
The government response outlines its vision for EV charging, and discusses efforts related to traffic regulation orders and OZEV's role in major road schemes. However, it does not address the specific concerns raised about electricity grid connection challenges and inconsistent processes with network operators.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendations. Recommendation implemented 6.2 The government’s vision is that all drivers can charge conveniently for both daily and long-distance driving and that there is a compelling, and visible, charging offer for prospective electric vehicle (EV) purchasers. 6.3 As set out in the report, the UK is on track to meeting a projected need of 300,000 public charging devices by 2030. The clarity on the transition to EVs has catalysed over £6 billion of private sector investment in UK charging infrastructure. The publication on 7 April 2025 of the response to the consultation on phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 and supporting the ZEV transition shows the government has worked with the industry to both strengthen its commitment to the phase out and introduce practical reforms to support industry to meet this ambition. 6.4 Going forward there is a key role for government to address challenges ahead by further: simplifying chargepoint installation, ensuring nationwide chargepoint distribution and strong rapid chargepoint coverage and maintaining an accessible public charging experience. 6.5 Traffic regulation orders (TRO) can enforce and designate EV only, on-street parking bays. The department is digitalising TROs and will require all authorities that use them to send digital copies to a central publication platform that the department is building. This will reduce the time it takes for authorities to make TROs. The digital publication service (D-TRO) has been built and is available for voluntary use and testing. The requirement should come into force later in 2025. 6.6 The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) is a joint unit between the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The department already works closely with DESNZ to ensure the improved rollout of chargepoints in all market areas. Within DfT, OZEV sits in the Road Transport Group, enabling OZEV to work closely with colleagues to encourage the installation of chargepoints on major road schemes.