Load assessment specialists

Electricity Load Assessments & Capacity Planning

Accurate load assessment is the foundation of every electricity connection. We calculate demand, apply diversity factors, and check network capacity before you commit.

All development types EV expertise Standalone service
The Process
1
Compile load schedule
2
Apply diversity factors
3
Network capacity check
4
POC application support
From Load Schedule to Connection Strategy

The Process Step by Step

Every load assessment follows a rigorous, documented process. Here is exactly what we do at each stage.

1

What Is a Load Assessment

A load assessment calculates the maximum demand at the Point of Connection in kVA. It is the foundation of every electricity connection application. Every electrical load on the development must be identified: heating type, hot water, cooking, EV charging, communal systems, commercial loads, and any other significant electrical equipment. These loads are then subjected to diversity factors that reflect the statistical likelihood of simultaneous operation. The output is a maximum demand figure that determines connection voltage, cable size, and NGED charges.

2

Residential Load Assessment

For residential developments, NGED apply a standard diversity model based on the number of plots and the type of heating. All-electric heating and heat pumps produce significantly higher assessed demand than gas-heated properties. A 100-plot all-electric development may have a maximum demand of 800 to 1,200kVA before EV charging is added. EV charging adds a further 400 to 600kVA for the same 100 plots without smart charging management. USP prepares residential load assessments in NGED-approved format, documenting all assumptions.

3

Commercial and Industrial

Commercial and industrial developments require a bespoke load schedule. Every item of electrical equipment must be listed with its rated power in kW, power factor, and anticipated operating schedule. USP works with the mechanical and electrical design team to compile an accurate schedule and applies appropriate demand factors for the sector. For mixed-use developments, the residential and commercial loads are assessed separately and combined at the POC.

4

EV Charging

EV charging is the fastest-growing contributor to development electricity demand. The coincident demand depends on the number and power rating of chargers, the proportion charging simultaneously, and whether smart charging or energy management is in place. Unmanaged charging is rarely viable at scale. USP models EV charging demand with and without smart charging, assesses the impact of battery energy storage on peak demand, and advises on the most cost-effective combination of connection size and demand management.

Key Technical Considerations

Technical Specifications

The critical parameters that govern every electricity load assessment.

Output
Maximum demand in kVA at Point of Connection, documented with all assumptions for NGED submission.
Residential diversity
NGED standard diversity model based on plot count and heating type. All-electric heating significantly increases assessed demand.
EV impact
100 plots with EV chargers adds approximately 400 to 600kVA versus a development without EV provision, before smart charging.
Commercial
Bespoke load schedule of all equipment, rated power in kW, power factor, and operating schedule.
Smart charging
An energy management system can reduce assessed peak EV demand significantly, potentially avoiding HV connection requirements.
Network capacity
NGED open data portal and published capacity maps used for preliminary checks before formal POC application.
Why Choose USP

What USP Can Do For You

Accurate load assessment as the foundation of every electricity connection we deliver.

Detailed load assessments for all development types prepared in NGED format, ready for submission with the POC application.
Preliminary network capacity checks against NGED published data before POC application, identifying constraints early.
EV energy management strategies modelled to reduce assessed peak demand and connection costs, presented with and without smart charging.
Standalone load assessment service available for feasibility and site appraisal before programme commitment.
Load assessments updated when design changes occur, with advice on whether POC applications or connection offers need revision.
Certified Provider

Fully Accredited & Committed to Safety

Every electricity connection we deliver meets the highest industry standards. Worker safety, public safety, environmental responsibility, and project compliance from planning to sign-off.

WaterSafe accredited
WIAPS accredited
LRQA WIRS certified
LRQA NERS certified
LRQA GIRS certified
ISO 9001 certified
Achilles UVDB Silver Plus
Constructionline member
SSIP accredited
Acclaim accredited
What Our Clients Say About Us

Rated 5.0 ★★★★★

50 Google Reviews

Load Assessments FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The load assessment determines the maximum demand at the Point of Connection, which in turn determines the connection voltage (LV or HV), cable size, substation requirement, and ultimately the connection cost. An overestimated demand leads to unnecessary HV infrastructure and higher DNO charges. An underestimated demand leads to costly reinforcement later, or a connection that cannot support the development as built. Getting the assessment right at the start saves time and money.
EV charging has a significant impact on maximum demand. For a residential development of 100 plots, adding an EV charger to each plot increases the assessed demand by approximately 400 to 600kVA compared to a development without EV provision. This can be the difference between an LV and an HV connection. Smart charging and energy management systems can reduce the assessed peak demand significantly. USP models EV demand with and without smart charging to identify the most cost-effective connection.
A diversity factor accounts for the fact that not all loads on a development operate at full power simultaneously. For residential developments, NGED apply a standard diversity model that reduces the theoretical maximum demand based on plot count and heating type. A 100-plot development does not draw 100 times the demand of a single plot. USP applies NGED-approved diversity factors and documents all assumptions clearly in the load assessment.
Yes. USP offers standalone load assessments as a feasibility service for developers who need to understand their electricity connection requirements before committing to a programme. A standalone assessment covers maximum demand calculation, diversity factor application, an indication of connection voltage (LV or HV), and a preliminary network capacity check against NGED published data. This is typically used at planning stage or when appraising a site acquisition.
Development designs change. Heating specifications change from gas to heat pumps. EV charging requirements increase. Plot counts change. USP updates the load assessment when the design changes and advises whether the POC application or connection offer needs to be revised. Catching a change in demand before the cable is installed is far less costly than discovering it afterwards.
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for Your Development?

Tell us about your project and we will carry out a preliminary load assessment and network capacity check within 24 hours.

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