Key stakeholders
Who are the key stakeholders in the EV charging industry?
You can’t deliver EV charging alone; you will need to work with a range of stakeholders and partners. You need to talk to the right people early, especially those who supply your electricity and those who approve your plans. This will help you plan your project so that it can run smoothly and avoid delays.
The table provides an overview of the key players involved in the energisation, installation and management of EV charging on the SRN.
| Stakeholder | Distribution network operator (DNO) | Independent distribution network operator (IDNO) | Independent connection provider (ICP) | Charge point operator (CPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Responsible for maintaining, repairing and upgrading the electricity distribution network that connects homes and businesses to the national grid | Owns, operates and maintains local electricity distribution networks, often in new developments or specific areas, independently of the regional DNOs | ICPs build electricity connections and networks | CPOs are responsible for building and managing electric vehicle charging infrastructure |
| Further detail | This includes power lines, substations and transformers. They operate in geographic regions of the UK | They introduce competition into the electricity distribution sector, potentially offering more cost-effective solutions for new connections and network extensions | ICPs do not operate electricity connections and networks - a DNO or IDNO must take them over | This includes the chargers themselves and the infrastructure needed to make chargers work on the site (for example cabling, switchboards, bay markings and bollards) |
| Considerations | DNOs and IDNOs are both licensed by Ofgem, but IDNOs can help to mitigate financial risk by deducting construction costs posed by a developer (known as an asset value payment) | DNOs and IDNOs are both licensed by Ofgem, but IDNOs can help to mitigate financial risk by deducting construction costs posed by a developer (known as an asset value payment) | An ICP's remit can include designing new connections, digging trenches, and installing switches and transformers | This includes keeping chargers working, safe, connected and available for drivers |
Industry and public bodies
EV charging delivery needs to consider transport and, energy networks, land ownership and consumer behaviour, so no single organisation oversees everything. Industry needs public bodies for clear policy, land and regulatory certainty, while public bodies need industry for investment, technical delivery, and long‑term operation and innovation. Here are key organisations and considerations that can support in the goal to net zero.
National Highways
We are the government company which plan, designs, builds, operates and maintains England's motorways and major A-roads, known as the strategic road network.
We help to move EV charging from idea to operation by supporting planning discussions, advising on layout and signage, and providing technical and delivery support as projects are built, and support with statutory processes to ensure installations meet national road standards.
Industry bodies
Industry bodies and groups representing organisations involved in the installation of charge points sharing policy and best practice
Energy networks association (ENA): representing licensed DNOs in the UK
Independent networks association (INA): representing the 30+ IDNOs and 100+ ICPs in the UK
ChargeUK: representing charge point operators
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): representing the land and property sector
Country Land and Business Association (CLA): advice for rural landowners on development, energy and leasing
Consumer groups
Consumer groups protect consumers' rights, influence policy, promote fair pricing and access, highlight poor service, and provide public advice.
EVA England: aim to ensure EV transition benefits consumers, not just industry or government
Recharge UK: representing organisations that design, fund, install and operate EV charging infrastructure
RiDC: works to make products, services and environments more inclusive and accessible for disabled and older people
Transport Focus: represents the views of road users and makes sure that their needs influence decisions made by government, regulators and transport operators.
Planning, consenting and advisory authorities
EV charging infrastructure must comply with safety rules, building regulations, accessibility standards and consumer protections.
Local planning authorities: planning consents and building regulations
Energy Saving Trust: accessibility, guidance
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
British Standards Institute (BSI): good design
National Fire Chief's Council (NFCC): fire safety
Wider UK government
Central government sets the policy, regulations and standards for EV charging.
Department for Transport (DfT): created strategy for rolling out EV charging infrastructure
The HM Government Catapult Network: coordinates and supports the UK research and innovation sector
Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV): provides support for the take-up of plug-in vehicles, as well as funding to support charge-point infrastructure
