Case Study: Vattenfall IDNO Cuts Grid Connection Costs by 95% for Student Housing Development in Bath

The Problem

When Alumno Group began developing a new student accommodation project in Twerton, Bath, they were faced with a major obstacle: a prohibitively expensive grid connection quote from the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). The costs associated with the contestable works were far higher than expected and threatened to derail the financial viability of the scheme.

The project, located at the Jubilee Centre on the site of the former Hollis Building, required a robust and timely electrical connection—but not at any price. To move forward, Alumno needed a more cost-effective and efficient solution.

The Solution

Alumno turned to Vattenfall IDNO, an Independent Distribution Network Operator known for helping developers connect to the grid faster and more affordably. By stepping in to adopt the new connection, Vattenfall was able to provide a dramatically lower-cost alternative.

Through a combination of a competitive Asset Adoption Value and a transparent tendering process for the contestable works—delivered in partnership with Network Power Connections—Vattenfall helped Alumno reduce connection costs by an astonishing 95% compared to the original DNO quote.

Alumno’s Director, Ron Plunz, 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.

The grid solution included a new 11kV point of connection and a 1,000kVA HV/LV substation, with all assets adopted by Vattenfall IDNO. The system will serve two half-hourly metered units with a combined registered capacity of 585kVA. An additional 150kVA of capacity for a commercial space on the site is scheduled for energisation in early September 2025, following the successful energisation of the first phase in July.

The Outcome

The cost savings enabled the project to remain financially viable and proceed on schedule. The connection infrastructure was delivered to a high standard, with the substation installed earlier this year, marking a major milestone in the build-out of the site.

Lee Scarth, Business Developer at Vattenfall IDNO, commented:

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.

The energisation was delivered in collaboration with Network Power Connections, whose team managed the installation and connection works. 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.

This project illustrates how Vattenfall IDNO’s approach can deliver substantial cost savings and speed without compromising on quality. For developers of student housing and other large-scale infrastructure, exploring alternatives to traditional DNO connections can unlock vital efficiencies and keep projects moving forward.

Book an appointment to speak with Lee Scarth about your development.