What is randomised delay?

Charge points now include a feature that can delay the start of a charging session by up to 10 minutes. This helps to manage demand and reduce strain on the national grid, particularly as multiple chargers activate during off-peak times. If you notice a slight delay before your charging session begins, there’s no need for concern—this is part of the new functionality. According to recent regulations:

• Random Delay Configuration:
  • Charge points must be capable of operating with a random delay of up to 1,800 seconds (30 minutes) at any relevant time.
  • Under normal conditions, a random delay of up to 600 seconds (10 minutes) will be applied, determined to the nearest second.
  • The maximum duration of this delay can be adjusted remotely via a communications network.
  • The owner of the charge point has the option to override the random delay at any relevant time.
• Exceptions to the Random Delay:
  • The delay will not apply if the owner or another end-user has overridden it.
  • It will not apply if an equivalent random delay has already been applied for that time.
  • The delay will also be bypassed if the charge point is providing demand-side response (DSR) services at the relevant time.
• Definition of "Relevant Time":
  • "Relevant time" refers to the moment when, if not for the delay, electricity would start flowing through the charge point to charge a vehicle, or the rate of electricity flow would be adjusted (increased or decreased).

These new regulations are designed to optimize grid stability while still allowing flexibility for charge point owners and users.