Domestic Connections Industry News
National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) has launched an ambitious innovation project called OBELISC (On Boundary Enhanced LCT Integrating Service Cabinet), aimed at tackling one of the biggest infrastructure challenges in the UK’s journey to net zero: upgrading domestic electricity connections to support the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps.
The Problem: Homes Aren’t Ready for the Green Revolution
Most UK homes are connected to the electricity grid via single phase supply, which is fine for everyday appliances but struggles to support high demand technologies like EV chargers and heat pumps.
Upgrading to three phase supply is often necessary however it is often expensive, disruptive, and technically complex.
Current retrofit solutions involve:
- Digging up driveways to lay new cables.
- Installing bulky equipment that may not fit in existing spaces.
- Navigating access issues in older or highly insulated homes.
Costs can range from £3,500 to £6,000, often paid by homeowners themselves.
Keep updated and read further on the NGED OBELISC project.
Ritherdon Current Electricity Connection Solutions
At Ritherdon we have addressed the need for homeowners, as well as businesses, to update their connections with specially designed enclosures.
See our Power Supply Enclosures for solutions for permanent and temporary connections, whether it’s a new connection or upgrading to a three phase connection. These feeder pillars feature dual lockable compartments, one dedicated to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and the other to the end user ensuring secure and accessible connections for all parties.
Designed to save time and money on site as well as avoid costly delays during the connections process.
See how Ritherdon were able to help with a prewired Service Head Cabinet for Electric Center.
OBELISC Solution: Smarter, Simpler, Boundary Based Connections
OBELISC proposes a new type of meter cabinet installed at the boundary of a property (near the pavement or street) rather than inside the home. This cabinet would:
- Keep the existing single phase supply for regular household use.
- Add extra power phases for EV chargers and heat pumps.
- Avoid the need to dig up gardens or rewire homes.
- Improve load balancing across the local electricity network.
This approach could dramatically reduce costs and disruption, making it easier for households to adopt low carbon technologies.
They’re developing two prototype designs to ensure flexibility and diversity in the supply chain.
See how Ritherdon are helping EV Charging Operators and their contractors with our Prewired EV Charging Feeder Pillars.
Project Timeline
- 2025: Stakeholder engagement and requirements gathering
- 2026: Prototype design and testing
- 2027: Field trials and final evaluation
The goal is to have a tested, cost effective solution ready for rollout by mid2027.
Stakeholder Led Design
A key part of OBELISC is engaging stakeholders, including housebuilders, installers, local authorities, and policy makers, to ensure the solution meets real needs. A steering group of 15-20 industry representatives will guide the design and testing process.
Ritherdon’s Industry Perspective
At Ritherdon, we welcome the OBELISC initiative and the direction it signals for the future of domestic electricity connections. As manufacturers of enclosures designed to simplify and secure power upgrades, we understand the value of standardisation in reducing complexity and cost for consumers.
While we’re not directly involved in the project, see ourselves as stakeholders in the wider effort to make low carbon technologies more accessible.
Our Power Supply Enclosures, featuring lockable compartments for both DNO and consumer access, are built to support both permanent and temporary connections, including three phase upgrades. Designed to save time and money on site, they help mitigate delays and streamline the installation process for homeowners, installers, and network operators alike.
Read how to Power Larger Connections with PS and TBS Cabinets.
Why It Matters
If successful, OBELISC could become a standard solution for upgrading domestic electricity connections, removing a major barrier to the UK’s net zero goals.
It’s a practical, scalable innovation that could help millions of homes transition to cleaner energy without the headache.
