Abstract Real-Time and Dynamic Thermal Ratings have been discussed in the literature as potential methods to increase network headroom, typically to allow the connection of distributed generators, mitigating the need for network reinforcement. The work presented in this paper considers the effectiveness of these techniques in terms of possible consumer connections as opposed to generation. A generalized temperature sensitive load modelling procedure is presented in order to derive representative demand group time-series profiles, and as such model the possible connections across the entire seasonal cycle. The procedure has been tested against real-world data taken from a rural 20 kV feeder in the North of England detailing the period October 2013–October 2014. This work was carried out as part of the LCNF funded Customer-Led Network Revolution (CLNR) smart grid project.