Vattenfall IDNO saves new student housing development 95% in grid connection costs

The first phase of the project located at the Jubilee Centre on the site of the former Hollis Building in Twerton, Bath, was energised in July, with an additional 150kVA of power for commercial space due to be energised in early September. The project comprises a new 11kV point of connection and a 1,000kVA HV/LV substation, with these assets adopted by Vattenfall IDNO. The connection will serve two half-hourly metered units with a combined registered capacity of 585kVA. 
 
The development, led by Alumno Group, was provided with a costly quote from the local DNO for the contestable works. Vattenfall IDNO stepped in to deliver a more competitive solution. By providing a competitive Asset Adoption Value and going out to tender for the contestable works, Vattenfall IDNO were able to save Alumno Group 95% in connection fees compared to the original quote from their local DNO.  
Lee Scarth, Business Developer at Vattenfall IDNO said:  
 
“This is a great example of how Vattenfall IDNO can unlock value for developers. By leveraging our Asset Adoption Value and competitive tendering process, we helped Alumno Group significantly reduce their connection costs while ensuring a high-quality, future-ready network.” 
 
Ron Plunz, Director at Alumno Group that designs and builds student accommodation, said: 
 
“We’re incredibly glad we reached out to Vattenfall IDNO to adopt the grid connection for our latest student accommodation project. The original quote from the local DNO for contestable works was significantly higher than expected, but Vattenfall offered a much more competitive solution. Their Asset Adoption Value and tendering process helped us reduce our connection fees by 95% - a huge saving that made a real difference to the viability of the scheme. Their support, transparency, and expertise were outstanding throughout.” 
 
Alex Wilson, Senior Business Development Manager at Network Power Connections, said:  
 
“We’re proud to be delivering this connection for Vattenfall and Alumno. The project demonstrates how collaboration and early engagement can deliver real value and speed for developers. We look forward to energising the site and supporting students in Bath by providing reliable electrical infrastructure.” 
 
The site witnessed the successful installation of the substation earlier this year, marking a key milestone ahead of energisation. 
 
For information on how Vattenfall IDNO can reduce costs for developers whilst quickly connecting projects to the grid, visit here.