Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has begun trialling a new tool designed to help homeowners prepare their properties for low-carbon technologies.

The Electricity Supply Checker will give households key information on whether their existing electricity supply can support the installation of new heat pumps and EV chargers.

The move follows SSEN's studies which concluded that around 740,000 customer connections in its network may require some form of upgrade to accommodate these technologies. The new tool will provide residents with an estimated capacity and indicate if upgrades or de-looping—splitting a supply shared between two properties—will be needed.

-- Advertisement --

According to Richard Hartshorn, Low-Carbon Technology Readiness Manager at SSEN, the trial is an important step in removing any remaining barriers to the adoption of low-carbon technologies. He said many homes were built before heat pumps and EVs were considered, and the tool gives residents the information they need to take control of their own decarbonisation journey.

Real-world trials are underway in Swindon and South Oxfordshire. Households in these areas are being directed online to find out more about the tool, look up their property's readiness, and plan for any necessary upgrades in advance.