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EV max demand vs. Normal high load reporting to DNO

Hi, 

A question that’s bugging me, if anyone can comment. 

We are required to notify the DNO if the maximum demand exceeds 60amps, when installing an EV charger (unless there is load management built into the EV charger). 

What I am trying to understand is how a load in excess of 60amp caused by an EV charger differs from normal, high power loads within a property. 

If we have for example: 

An induction hob/oven on a 32A circuit 

Spa/Hot tub on a 32A circuit 

Heater on a 13A plug top 

Our demand here would be 77A (plus or minus pending how the hob/tub/heater is switching its outputs - either way, it would be above 60amp give or take. 

Why doesn’t this need notifying? 

If a house with minimal loading reaches 28A and the EV charger reaches 32A, the total demand on the network is still only 60A, much less than the 77A taken in the first scenario. 

Why notify one and not the other? 

A consumer should be able to draw up to the maximum rating of the fuse surely, but is there a “limit“ when the DNO needs to be told? 

Thanks. 

Parents
  • A cynic like me would suggest that EVs are the “new big thing” and that the DNOs see a large pot of gold of which they want a share.

    My view is that if the supply is 60 amps, then the customer should be able to use 60 amps for any legal purpose.

    If enough people use 60 amps, then the DNO network will have to be upgraded, and this will be paid for out of the extra revenue.

    EV charging is in many respects an ideal load, often off peak as that is when most customers sleep and potentially charge their vehicles. It is a long hour load that produces significant revenue.

    Most businesses would be glad that customers are buying more of their product. 

    Have Tesco ever said to a customer “you have been buying too many groceries from us, and we therefore require that you contribute £921-97 to the cost of building our new distribution center”

Reply
  • A cynic like me would suggest that EVs are the “new big thing” and that the DNOs see a large pot of gold of which they want a share.

    My view is that if the supply is 60 amps, then the customer should be able to use 60 amps for any legal purpose.

    If enough people use 60 amps, then the DNO network will have to be upgraded, and this will be paid for out of the extra revenue.

    EV charging is in many respects an ideal load, often off peak as that is when most customers sleep and potentially charge their vehicles. It is a long hour load that produces significant revenue.

    Most businesses would be glad that customers are buying more of their product. 

    Have Tesco ever said to a customer “you have been buying too many groceries from us, and we therefore require that you contribute £921-97 to the cost of building our new distribution center”

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