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This webpage provides information for local authorities on the delivery of the Local Electric Vehicle Fund (LEVI) project. It includes an overview of the application process, key considerations and contact information so you and your provider can engage early.

Stage 1: Site selection

Local authorities can register to use our Grid Connection Planner. This interactive tool shows the available capacity on each cable and provides an early indication of the feasibility of potential charge point locations.

To help you track and organise your shortlisted sites, we have created an Excel template that can also be used to streamline the checking, application, and quoting process.

We also have an upcoming training webinar on 17 April where we will demonstrate how to make the most of the Grid Connection Planner and the site assessment process. Register now to book your place.

Stage 2: Early engagement and site prioritisation

Once you have completed your site list in the Excel template, you can book a 1:1 session with one of our engineers. They will review your list, discuss any potential challenges, and highlight considerations for each site.

To book a session email preapplicationsupport@enwl.co.uk with the subject 'LEVI' and attach your completed Excel file. Our team will carry out a brief initial check before your meeting.

During your session, we will work with you to understand how you would like to prioritise sites - for example, based on local demand, cost, accessibility, programme delivery or strategic importance.

This prioritisation helps us to plan your application timeline effectively. Your queue position will not be affected by how you choose to prioritise sites - all applications are processed on a first‑come, first‑served basis to ensure transparency and fairness.

Stage 3: Application process

By the time you submit your applications, we should have agreed:

• A refined list of feasible sites
• A prioritised order for assessment
• A timeline for submitting each batch.

This approach ensures we have all necessary information and resources ready to deliver your quotes promptly, reducing delays and allowing time for any necessary land rights, permits or surveys.

Each batch of applications will be acknowledged with a confirmation email, after which our designers will begin the required assessments.

Stage 4: Accepting your quote

If you wish to proceed with a quote, please complete and return the accompanying acceptance form and arrange payment.

If payment is being made directly by a local authority, we are able to accept a purchase order. For all other customers, payment can be made via BACS or cheque.

Once payment has been received, it will be formally acknowledged. Our quotes team will then prepare a handover pack for our delivery team, and any required land rights and permits will be applied for.

If you have chosen to proceed with a full works quote from us, delivery will progress in line with Option 1 outlined below.

If you have elected to proceed with a NERS-registered Independent Connection Provider (ICP) for a metered connection, the ICP will have 90 days to submit their design for approval.

New ICPs can register in advance with our Competition in Connections team by emailing: CIC@enwl.co.uk.

Stage 5: Delivery

Once you have accepted your quote, the next steps will depend on whether you choose for Electricity North West to deliver the full works, or whether you appoint an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) to complete the contestable elements of your project.

Option 1: Full work by SP Electricity North West

If you choose us to deliver the full connection work:

• Kick-off meeting: We will arrange a delivery kick‑off meeting with you (and your provider, where relevant) to agree the best approach and confirm your programme requirements.
• Programme and resource planning: The earlier we know that you intend to proceed with full works, the sooner we can scale and allocate the appropriate resources. If you are able to indicate your preferred delivery approach early, even as provisional options, this will help us plan effectively.
• Site access, permits and dependencies: We will work with you to confirm land rights, arrange any required streetworks permits and co-ordinate with your highways and estates teams to minimise disruption and avoid delays.

Option 2: Delivery by an ICP

If you appoint an ICP to deliver the contestable work:

• Technical interface & design approval:
  Your ICP will submit designs for our technical review and approval. Early engagement with us helps avoid rework and ensures alignment with your programme.
• Non‑contestable work by SP ENW: If your project requires any non‑contestable activity, we will schedule this work directly and co-ordinate with your ICP to ensure safe and efficient delivery.
• Point of connection and final energisation: We will liaise with your ICP to agree dates for jointing, commissioning and final connection to our network. Once all checks are complete we will carry out energisation.

Considerations

• Communications: Whoever makes the application is considered our customer. Where a provider is applying on behalf of a local authority we suggest a letter of authority is provided to allow us to share updates with both provider and local authority to ensure awareness across the project.
• Land rights and wayleaves: If your connection requires access to private land, we will need to secure the landowner's consent before starting any work. 
• Permits: If your connection involves work in the public highway or footpath, we will need to co-ordinate with your highways team for necessary permits. Engaging with them early to ensure they're aware of this, helps them plan and prevents approval delays.