EA Technology and Northern Powergrid Launch Revolutionary Online Electrical Connection Tool

Free, web-based tool AutoDesign, simplifies the process of creating new electrical connections

EA Technology, a world-leading company in power systems engineering consultancy and support, has announced its involvement in the development and launch of AutoDesign, a revolutionary online software tool that simplifies the process of creating new electrical connections. Led by Northern Powergrid, the project aims to improve and accelerate the connection process, particularly to meet growing needs around installing electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints and servicing new housing developments.

EA Technology is responsible for the software development for AutoDesign, a free, web-based tool which provides customers with visibility of the low-voltage (LV) network. It shows customers where new connections are possible and allows non-technical customers to design them, drawing the cable route through an easy-to-use interface. As soon as the customer has indicated where a connection is required, the tool provides an instant budget quotation, minimising the need for engineer intervention and accelerating the quotation process.

Speaking about the project, EA Technology’s Technical Director, Dave A. Roberts, said,

“We are delighted to be working with Northern Powergrid on the AutoDesign software. AutoDesign simplifies a process which can take up to 10 days, by enabling users to quickly establish where capacity exists in the network and providing instant budget quotations for new connections in minutes. This is going to be a game-changer for the industry.”

AutoDesign will help Northern Powergrid to manage increased demand for new connection requests, especially for EV chargepoints and housing developments, by allowing customers to self-serve for budget estimates. Accessible via any modern web browser, AutoDesign automatically performs the complex engineering calculations for the user.

With development funded by Northern Powergrid’s Network Innovation Allowance (NIA), it builds on the network operator’s investment in its asset data and EA Technology’s network analysis capability. As well as leading software development, EA Technology will continue to advance AutoDesign’s capabilities and provide ongoing maintenance and support to ensure the tool remains functional and up to date.

The tool can be accessed through the Northern Powergrid website.

AutoDesign recap:

• Shows customers the best locations to connect to Northern Powergrid’s existing LV cables and overhead network
• Allows customers to make informed decisions on the best places to connect
• Provides instant budget quotations for new LV connections
• Simplifies the connections process and improves customer experience

ENDS

About EA Technology
Established in 1966 as a research and development organisation serving the electricity industry, EA Technology is still committed today to creating electricity distribution networks fit for the future.

Together with its 40 distribution partners, EA Technology provides products and services to the power industry through its dedicated offices in the UK, Australia, China, Singapore, and the US. These strategically placed locations ensure that the organisation’s suite of impressive innovations can contribute to the development of modern power systems across the world, and have already successfully reached customers in 90 countries.

For further information on AutoDesign or other EA Technology products or services please visit www.eatechnology.com or email adrian.vinsome@eatechnology.com.