How We Reduced Electricity Connection Costs for a Brownfield Development in Kent – Utility Consultancy Case Study

Executive Summary

A brownfield development site in Kent faced a significant challenge in securing an electrical connection capable of supporting a major mixed-use scheme with a significant projected electrical demand.

The initial Distribution Network Operator (DNO) proposal required a 5km connection from a major substation with the route to site crossing two motorways. The quoted connection cost was £5.4 million and carried substantial unknown delivery timescale and route-related risks.

Premier Energy was appointed to review the proposal and identify an alternative solution.

Through a detailed assessment of the site’s actual power needs and a comprehensive review of existing network infrastructure, Premier Energy reduced the required load capacity to a more realistic level based on industry metrics and identified existing network capacity close to the site that could be utilised. This approach reduced the connection cost from £5.4 million to just £30,000, delivering a saving of over £5m while also mitigating programme risk.

Background

A developer was making plans for the redevelopment of a brownfield site in Kent and required a substantial electricity supply to support the proposed mixed-use development.

Their initial assessment estimated a significant electrical demand. Based on the initial load estimates, the local network operator proposed a new connection involving:

• A 5km cable route to the Point of Connection (PoC)
• Crossing two motorway corridors
• Significant civil engineering and permitting requirements
• A total connection cost of approximately £5.4 million

The offer also included caveats relating to route complexity, delivery risk, and potential cost variations associated with the motorway crossings.

The Challenge

The developer faced several challenges:

• A connection cost that threatened the project’s commercial viability.
• Significant programme risk associated with a lengthy off-site connection route.
• Complex engineering requirements due to crossing two motorways.
• Potential for further cost escalation as route surveys and detailed designs progressed.

Given the scale of the proposed investment, the developer sought a trusted independent review to determine whether a more practical and cost-effective solution was available.

Premier Energy’s Approach

Premier Energy was appointed to undertake a review of the proposal.

Demand Review

The first stage involved reviewing the original load estimate. By applying industry-standard diversity factors and assessing the actual operational requirements of the development, Premier Energy determined that the site’s realistic power demand was significantly lower than originally forecast.

The revised maximum demand represented a 60% reduction from the original estimate.

Infrastructure Assessment

With the revised load established, Premier Energy conducted a detailed review of existing electrical infrastructure in the vicinity of the site.

This assessment identified:

• Around 50% of the revised load could be served from available network capacity within the development site.
• The other 50% of the required capacity could be secured through optimisation and utilisation of nearby existing site infrastructure.

The combination of the on-site capacity and additional capacity from nearby infrastructure met the revised capacity requirement without the need for major reinforcement works or the construction of an extensive new connection route.

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Solution

Rather than pursuing the original 5km connection to a remote Point of Connection, Premier Energy developed a solution based on utilising available local capacity and existing infrastructure assets close to site.

This strategy eliminated the need for:

• Long-distance cable installation.
• Motorway crossings.
• Extensive civils works.
• Significant network reinforcement.

The revised connection design provided the required electrical capacity while substantially reducing technical and delivery risk.

Results

The outcome delivered a transformational improvement to the project’s feasibility and programme.

Financial Benefits

Key Achievements

• A 60% reduction in required load.
• Identified and secured available capacity from existing infrastructure.
• Avoided a 5km network extension.
• Eliminated the need to cross two motorways.
• Reduced connection costs from £5.4 million to £30,000.
• Achieved a saving of approximately £5.37 million.
• Significantly reduced programme and construction risks.

Conclusion

This Case Study demonstrates the value of appointing Premier Energy who have the expertise and experience to challenge load assumptions and investigate existing network infrastructure before committing to expensive reinforcement schemes.

Through a combination of demand optimisation, network analysis and innovative connection design, Premier Energy transformed a potentially prohibitive £5.4 million electricity connection into a practical £30,000 solution. The result was a commercially viable development with reduced risk, accelerated delivery potential, and savings exceeding £5.3 million.