Selected local authorities in England have been given the go-ahead to turn older lampposts into charge points.

UK Power Networks studies have shown that 5kW charge points can be safely installed on older lampposts

UK Power Networks, the distribution network operator for London, the South and East of England, has revised its guidance to give the green light to use lampposts to power up.

A series of studies undertaken by the DNO has proved that 5kW charge points can be safely installed on older lampposts, which have thinner cabling than more modern installations.

UK Power Networks worked closely with Shell Ubitricity, the UK’s largest public charge point operator with its network of lamppost chargers, to undertake technical assessments, and has now updated its technical guidance.

The study was carried out after some local authorities on the south coast of England were ordered to stop installing lamppost chargers on older legacy columns with different wiring. Local authorities own and operate streetlights, with distribution network operators such as UK Power Networks delivering the power to them.

The revised guidance will enable all 133 local authorities operating in the area under UK Power Networks to connect faster 5kW charge points to their lampposts.

Local authorities will also now be able to push ahead with their plans to increase the number of chargers through the Government’s Local EV Infrastructure Fund, particularly supporting EV drivers in towns and cities where it is estimated that up to 60% of people do not have access to off-street parking.

Ubitricity figures indicate that with a budget of £1m, local authorities could roll out 700-800 lamppost chargers compared to 60-75 fast dual charge points (7-22kW) or 20-25 rapid single charge points.

Mark Adolphus, director of connections at UK Power Networks, said: “This is great news for customers and lights the way for a vast swathe of new electric vehicle charging stations across the region we serve. It underlines the importance of networks collaborating with the wider energy industry to ensure they can deliver with confidence and certainty.”

Stuart Wilson, market unit lead at Ubitricity, commented: “Lamppost charging helps local authorities to roll out charging infrastructure at scale and allows EV drivers to charge their cars close to home. Over eight million households in the UK do not have access to off-street parking and without strong public EV charging infrastructure, there is a legitimate concern that people without a driveway will be left behind in the transition to electric vehicles in the UK. This is great news for EV drivers and we are proud to have collaborated with UK Power Networks on this guidance.”