Profiled Connection

The aim of a Profiled Connection is to maximise distribution network utilisation ahead of network reinforcement, providing cost effective solution for customers who require extra capacity during off-peak hours. Unlike Flexible Connections for demand, which can be curtailed to zero at times when network is constrained, Profiled Connections ensure customers site capacity will not be curtailed below the minimum contractual value specified in the schedule. This is useful for demand type technologies, particularly bus charging depots and Electric Vehicle (EV), as well as data centres, industrial loads and hydrogen electrolysers.

A Profiled Connection is a connection agreement where the maximum demand limit (in kVA) varies according to the time of day. Customers will receive two capacity windows, typically, evening peak and overnight minimum. For example:

We will be monitoring the constrained locations in real-time and feeding the measurements into our Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS). This means during Window 2 (flexible), if there is spare capacity on the network, this can be offered to the customer based on Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) principle of Access. This offers much greater flexibility than the previous Timed Connection product which typically offered a fixed profile (fixed regardless of network loading).

Profiled connections offer significant benefits by enabling customers to connect without requiring reinforcement as an enduring solution, therefore minimising costs and reducing time to connect.

Customers can choose between two options:

Flexible profile: Those who install a Distributed Network Protocol 3 (DNP3) communication interface can access additional network capacity when available in real time.

Fixed profile: customers who chose not to install a communication interface will not be able to exceed the minimum capacity in each window.

Please read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below to find out more.

Find out more about DERMS.