Skip advert
Advertisement

Energy firms want the right to switch off electric cars charging at home

New powers being sought to allow energy providers to turn off high-drain devices to manage electricity network

Electric cars may be perfect for people with off-street parking and a home wallbox fast charger, but a new set of rules being mulled over by the energy watchdog, Ofgem, could see power cut to EVs if the electricity network requires it during times of high demand.

The proposals, set out in a report by the Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement (DCUSA), warns that “Electricity networks in Great Britain were not designed to accommodate the significant additional demand that certain consumer devices (such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers) presents.”

To solve this problem, the report says it may be necessary “to allow Distributors control of consumer devices (such as Electric Vehicles) connected to Smart Meter infrastructure” - though this would only be done as a “last resort, emergency measure”, when “market solutions” (such as cheap electricity at off-peak times, for example) failed to solve the problem.

Advertisement - Article continues below

People affected by the cutoffs would not be offered any form of compensation under the proposals, while a new, third-generation electricity smart meter would also have to be installed to facilitate the plans. Other high-drain devices, such as electric central heating systems, could also be affected by the “last resort” actions.

The National Grid’s policy director for decarbonisation, Graeme Cooper, previously stated that “enough capacity exists” for the UK to switch to electric cars wholesale, and that: “Even if the impossible happened and we all switched to EVs overnight, we think demand would only increase by around 10 per cent.”

Cooper added that while “no matter what time you come home and plug your car in at, it will charge when you need it.” He did warn, however, that EV charging “will pause during that evening peak when energy is most expensive and demand on the grid is highest.”

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy told the Daily Mail: “Any proposals from network companies to do this would be rigorously challenged by Ofgem which serves to protect consumers.”

Ofgem added: “The process to consider this proposal is ongoing, and a decision is not expected before spring 2021. 'We will take the final decision on whether this proposal is approved, taking into account our statutory duties to protect current and future consumers.”

Looking at getting a home charge port? Here's everything to know about charging an EV at home...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Audi A3 still planned: entry-level EV to give affordability edge over BMW and Mercedes
Audi A3 EV render - front
News

New Audi A3 still planned: entry-level EV to give affordability edge over BMW and Mercedes

Audi will persevere with its plan for an entry-level electric car to replace the existing Audi A3 at a time when rivals will be exiting that market
20 Mar 2024
Mercedes-AMG’s Porsche Taycan killer powerslides into view
Mercedes-AMG EQ Supersaloon - front
News

Mercedes-AMG’s Porsche Taycan killer powerslides into view

The new electric Mercedes-AMG super saloon will use AMG’s own unique platform, and is likely to produce 1,000bhp
18 Mar 2024
Hot Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX to be revealed on 21 March
Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX teaser
News

Hot Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX to be revealed on 21 March

The high-performance minibus is likely to feature 335bhp dual-motor setup from new VW ID.7 GTX Tourer
14 Mar 2024
New Dacia Spring to be revealed in full on 21 February
Dacia Spring teaser
News

New Dacia Spring to be revealed in full on 21 February

Dacia’s budget EV will come with a new look and upgraded technology for its UK launch
19 Feb 2024

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in
Skoda Enyaq iV - front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in

Skoda’s family-friendly EV with 348-mile range is our Car Deal of the Day for 26 March
26 Mar 2024