Electricity North West prepares for 3m EVs

Power network Electricity North West has set out new plans for how it intends to support more than 3 million EVs in the region over the next 30 years.

The company is seeking views on its EV strategy, and other key strategies, that will form part of the network operator’s five-year business plan for 2023 – 2028, following a large public engagement programme.

To meet the needs of customers, Electricity North West is already planning to invest £63.5 million between 2019 and 2023, as part of its zero carbon plan to help the North West decarbonise – and develop growth of renewable energy.

The firm made the move following the government announcement of the banning of petrol and diesel car sales from 2030. The move will see the uptake of EVs during the 2020s accelerate rapidly, leading to more than three million electric vehicles on the North West’s roads by 2050.

As the region’s network operator, Electricity North West is responsible for preparing the electricity network for this rapid growth – and the associated charging infrastructure required.

Following two years’ engagement with customers and key stakeholders, the company has now published eight individual strategies covering the steps it will take before 2028 to deal with the growth of EVs, the environmental impact of the network, innovation, new connections and supporting customers in vulnerable circumstances.

The strategies set out key plans while the network operator also continues to provide a reliable and efficient network at a reasonable cost for bill payers.

Paul Bircham, communications director at Electricity North West, said: “Whether they live in the north west or just work here, our customers are at the heart of the work we have been doing over the past two years.

“As we support the region in its transition towards becoming a net zero carbon economy, the way we all use electricity is going to change massively.

“The purpose of these strategies is to ensure that no-one gets left behind in that energy transition, ensuring that the work we do to support EVs and other services are fully inclusive and accessible to everyone.

“We could not have done that without the insight we have received as part of our engagement programme so far, but we can’t stop yet. It’s essential that, as we refine our plans, our customers and key stakeholders can still have their say on our plans before we submit them.”  

  • image courtesy of Shutterstock

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