Projects

Completed

Applied Research and Development

SOCIAL SCIENCES (Sociology)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Policy and regulation)
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Other sociological economical and environmental impact of energy)

Project Contact
National Grid Electricity Transmission

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 August 2025

31 March 2025

ENA months

£165,000

Power

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Electricity Transmission

The project will address network access inequality by enabling disadvantaged communities, under-resourced local authorities, and the community sector to secure fair, timely, and affordable connections. The project uses demographic and network data to highlight where support is needed and provides Network Partners with the tools to act.This approach tackles root causes of inequality by supporting vulnerable communities with: The information and guidance to navigate connection processes. Access to effective tools and technical support. Opportunities to benefit from electrification and increased resilience. And NGET and other Energy Networks will be equipped with the capability to identify and support disadvantaged communities, prioritise equitable access to network capacity, and make informed, data-driven decisions to deliver a fairer energy transition, targeting resources where they are most needed.The project will consist of four key phases: Demographic and network analysis to identify priority areas for intervention. Digital tools and education strategies to equip communities and local partners. Policy and procedure review to recommend fairer connection practices and remove regulatory barriers. User-friendly digital systems to simplify application processes and improve access for disadvantaged groups.Data Quality Statement (DQS): The project will be delivered under the NIA framework in line with OFGEM, ENA and NGGT / NGET internal policy. Data produced as part of this project will be subject to quality assurance to ensure that the information produced with each deliverable is accurate to the best of our knowledge and sources of information are appropriately documented. All deliverables and project outputs will be stored on our internal sharepoint platform ensuring access control, backup and version management. Relevant project documentation and reports will also be made available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal and dissemination material will be shared with the relevant stakeholders. Measurement Quality Statement (MQS): The methodology used in this project will be subject to our suppliers own quality assurance regime. Quality assurance processes and the source of data, measurement processes and equipment as well as data processing will be clearly documented and verifiable. The measurements, designs and economic assessments will also be clearly documented in the relevant deliverables and final project report and will be made available for review.In line with the ENA's ENIP document, the risk rating is scored 6 = Medium.TRL Steps = 1 (2 TRL steps)Cost = 2 (165,000)Suppliers = 1 (1 supplier)Data Assumption = 2 (Assumptions known but will be defined within project) The project focuses on addressing inequality in access to energy network connections by targeting disadvantaged communities, smaller local authorities, and the community energy sector. The project will analyse demographic and infrastructure data to identify areas facing the greatest barriers, develop tailored education and engagement strategies, and propose fairer policies and procedures to ensure equitable access. It will also create two digital tools a Targeted Support Tool for networks and a Digital Connection Platform to simplify access to network availability. The project scope covers data analysis, stakeholder engagement, policy development, and prototype digital tool creation but excludes long-term commercial deployment or regulatory implementation beyond recommendations. Identify and map areas with the greatest connectivity barriers using demographic and network data. Empower communities and local authorities with culturally relevant resources and engagement strategies. Review and recommend fairer, more inclusive policies and procedures for network connections. Develop and test digital tools to simplify access and guide underserved groups through the connection process. Support the wider energy transition by enabling equitable access to low-carbon technologies.

EQUINET aims to tackle inequality in energy network connections by enabling disadvantaged communities, smaller local authorities, and community-centric organisations to access capacity fairly and efficiently. The project combines network and demographic analysis, engagement strategies, policy recommendations, and digital tools to remove systemic barriers and support an inclusive energy transition.

24/04/26