Connection Options Advisor
Compare network charges across every connection configuration, then see the cheapest over five years.
For network operators, developers and consultants planning new connections.
Try Connection Options AdvisorIDNO, HV metered
cheapest over 5 years vs DNO, LV metered
saved, 21.1% lower
Charge breakdown · winner
Year by year · winner
The journey
Four steps, one decision
From a postcode or MPAN to the cheapest connection over five years.
Enter
Enter site details
Pick the DNO region, type the connection capacity and annual Elec use, then set a voltage per site. Have an MPAN? Drop it in and we read the rest.
Identify
Decode and identify
We decode the MPAN into its charging region, connection voltage and profile class, so every option is priced against the real site, not a typed guess.
Compare
Compare voltage and IDNO options
Every configuration side by side: DNO against IDNO, HV against LV. Network charges modelled five years out so the ranking holds over the life of the connection.
Decide
See the cheapest result
The cheapest option is highlighted with its five-year saving against the costliest. Drill into the charge breakdown and the year-by-year path.
IDNO, HV metered
cheapest over 5 years vs DNO, LV metered
saved, 21.1% lower
Charge breakdown · winner
Year by year · winner
The problem
Connection choices at every voltage carry long-term charge consequences
When planning a new connection, the voltage decision sets the charge structure for the life of the asset. Sub-EHV sites (LV and HV): HV vs LV metering, DNO vs IDNO ownership. EHV sites (22kV and above): EDCM distribution or direct-to-transmission. Each path leads to a different DUoS, TNUoS, BSUoS and levy profile, with EHV sites also facing the British Industry Supercharger rebate question.
Choosing the wrong configuration locks clients into higher network charges for years. For EHV sites the transmission vs distribution decision affects every component of the charge stack, including whether TDR is banded by agreed capacity or by consumption.
Why it matters
What you walk away with
Multi-Year Cost Projections
Sub-EHV: 5-year forecast using CIRP indicative DUoS and NESO TNUoS projections. EHV: year-by-year projection capped at the DNO's published EDCM data horizon.
Cost Breakdown by Charge Type
Understand how DUoS, TNUoS, and other charges vary between options.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Compare multiple connection configurations in a clear, decision-ready format.
Total Cost of Connection
Factor in ongoing network charges alongside upfront connection costs.
Built on official published rates
See a connection compared, end to end
Watch a new connection go from postcode to a ranked cost table: DNO against IDNO, LV against HV, capacity sized and priced. No spreadsheets, no back and forth.
- DNO vs IDNO side by side
- Voltage step comparison
- Capacity right-sized
- Ranked by 5-year cost
FAQ
Answers, before you ask
For Extra High Voltage sites (22kV and above), the tool compares an EDCM distribution connection against a direct-to-transmission connection. It models EDCM DUoS (benchmarked band), TNUoS locational charge and TDR, BSUoS, CCL, Capacity Market, CfD, AAHEDC, Nuclear RAB, and the British Industry Supercharger (EII) network-charge relief rebate. Projections run one charging year per row up to the DNO's published EDCM data horizon, and every row shows the actual rate used.
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Compare every connection. Pick the cheapest.
See the five-year cost of every HV, LV, DNO and IDNO option side by side.