Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is piloting a new approach called 'Community Smart Access' to accelerate electricity connections for new housing estates incorporating low carbon technologies.
The initiative aims to address current constraints on network capacity, which can be a barrier to the adoption of technologies like electric vehicle (EV) chargers, solar panels, and heat pumps in new developments.
Developed in collaboration with the Local Energy Markets Alliance (LEMA), the 'Community Smart Access' option will utilise 'Dynamic Load Averaging' (DLA). This method is designed to manage electricity demand at a local level while longer-term reinforcements to the electricity grid are being completed. By enabling the procurement of flexibility services in advance of new housing estate construction, SSEN intends to facilitate connections even in areas where the grid is currently congested.
SSEN emphasises that this development builds upon existing industry efforts, including the development of Access Products and Flexibility Services outlined in their Flexibility Roadmap.
Nigel Bessant, SSEN Distribution’s Head of Network Operations, stated: "Community Smart Access gives us a new option to accelerate the connection of new housing, with customers benefiting from Low Carbon Technologies like heat pumps, EV chargers, rooftop solar panels and battery storage." He also acknowledged the collaboration with LEMA members Traxis Energy, ElectraLink, and Gemserv in developing the DLA concept into a trial proposition for this year, with hopes for wider adoption in the future.
Simon Anderson, CEO of LEMA, described DLA as "a crucial accelerator in the race to unlock congested grids and enable the development of much-needed all-electric homes." He highlighted the potential for well-insulated, all-electric homes to minimise energy bills, maximise sustainability, and enhance energy security.
SSEN will be engaging with stakeholders on this proposal further in 2025 and is encouraging housing developers to register their interest. The trial of 'Community Smart Access' represents a step towards providing the necessary infrastructure to support both new housing development and the transition to net zero.
Construction News
18/03/2025
SSEN Trials Smart Solution to Speed Up Net Zero Housing Connections


19/03/2025
Glasgow City Council has released details of its strategy for managing its extensive built heritage estate, which has seen over £280 million invested in the past twelve years.
The city's Heritage Asset Plan, designed to optimise the management of its diverse assets, encompasses hundreds of listed

19/03/2025
Construction has commenced on the modernisation and expansion of the Macduff Marine Aquarium in Aberdeenshire.
Ogilvie Construction, appointed as the contractor, has begun on-site pre-construction activities, building upon landscaping work started earlier this year. The project, funded by the UK G

19/03/2025
The development of 75 affordable, 'net-zero ready' homes at Granton Station View, led by the City of Edinburgh Council, has reached its final phase now that rigorous testing is underway to validate performance standards.
Across three pilot projects, including the Station View site, the Edinburgh H

19/03/2025
The ONE SeedPod, a new food and drink industry innovation hub, has been officially launched in Aberdeen.
Delivered by Robertson Construction Eastern, the £27 million project aims to stimulate high-value manufacturing within the sector. The facility, led by Opportunity North East (ONE), represents

19/03/2025
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has initiated its Consensus process to gather industry support for its Levy Proposals for the period 2026-29.
This process, conducted every three years, seeks feedback from Levy-paying employers on CITB's plans for generating the Levy and delivering

19/03/2025
Critical junction renewal works in Port Glasgow have been extended, resulting in a further day of closure for the Inverclyde rail lines.
Network Rail engineers, engaged in a major upgrade project, have encountered delays following an incident at the construction site over the weekend. The project,

18/03/2025
Procast Group, a Hamilton-based principal contractor, has been awarded a £1 million contract to begin the transformation of the derelict Greenfield House in Alloa.
The company will undertake the initial phases of the project for Clackmannanshire Council, aiming to bring the iconic but disused mano

18/03/2025
Experts at the University of Edinburgh are leading two new research hubs focused on ensuring the UK's transition to Net Zero safeguards and enhances both physical and mental health.
The hubs will investigate methods for retrofitting properties to create healthy, Net Zero homes, and examine how meas

18/03/2025
The JR Group has seen three of its developments shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Homes for Scotland Awards.
The leading building and construction firm has been recognised across two categories: Affordable Development of the Year (medium) and Affordable Development of the Year (small).
The s

18/03/2025
Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) has announced grants totalling over £145,000 in its latest funding round, set to support a diverse range of heritage projects across Glasgow. The funding will aid in the preservation of the city's historic buildings, foster engagement within local communities, and