How to apply for a new connection

What information do I need to send to get a quote for a new supply?
You will need to fill in an application form to provide us with information about the location of your development and details of the electrical load to be connected. You will also need to provide us with location and site plans. Our application form guidance notes will help you if you need more information.

Where can I get an application form?
If you need a domestic supply, please print out and complete the Domestic application form.
If you are need a commercial or industrial supply, please print out and complete the Commercial and Industrial application form.

Or, you can phone us to request an application form on:

What plans do I need to send?
You will need to send us a location plan, which identifies the proposed site for the new connection, and a site layout plan, which provides more detail on how the site is laid out.
   Further guidance on the plans required.

What size of supply will I need?
Contact your electrical contractor who will be able to help you to work out your requirements. Once you have given us your load details, we will be able to produce a design for a supply that meets your requirements.

Will I need a single phase or three phase electricity supply?
For most domestic properties, a single phase supply will be sufficient unless you have any three phase equipment such as motors and welders. Your electrical contractor will be able to advise you on what you need.

What happens to my application when I have returned it?
We will look at your requirements and design a suitable scheme to provide your supply. We will then provide you with a formal quotation which you will need to accept before the work can proceed.

How much will the work cost?
The price you are charged will reflect the work we have to carry out to meet your requirements. We have to take a number of factors into account including the capacity of supply required, the position of the supply on our network and whether or not we have to reinforce our network to provide your connection.

What type of quotation do you provide?
If you are at an early stage of purchasing a site or planning a development, we can provide you with an estimate of likely service costs.
If you have finalised your requirements and are ready to enter into a contract with us to provide your connection, we can give you a formal quotation.

How long will it take to get a quote?
For single domestic connections where we do not have to carry out significant work, other than to provide a service cable and fuse, we aim to provide a quotation within five working days.

In cases where up to four domestic supplies are required and we have to make alterations or extend our existing network, we aim to provide a quotation within 15 working days.

In all other cases it can take up to 90 days to provide a quotation. This timescale is only an estimate and we will always try to reduce it if possible.

Will your quotation be fixed price?
Yes, we normally offer fixed price quotations for new connections. If there are any variable cost elements, these will be clearly indicated in your quotation. This is normally only applicable to very large and extensive projects.

How long is my quote valid for?
Your quote is valid for 30 days.

What are your terms and conditions?
Our standard terms and conditions apply to most domestic, commercial and industrial connections up to 1MW (megawatt). If we need to make any changes to these terms and condtions, we will include them with the quotation.
 
What happens if I do not accept your quotation and re-apply at a later date? Will costs be the same?
If you don't accept our quotation and need to apply again, usually the costs will be similar, but may have altered slightly due to increases in material and labour costs since your original application. However, there is also a risk that other connections may have been made onto our network during this time and there may no longer be sufficient capacity available to supply your development from our existing network. This could have a significant effect on the scope and cost of the works required to supply your development. You should be aware of this potential risk when timing your application and quote acceptance.

When will I need to pay for my new connection?
Your quotation letter will tell you you need to pay. Normally you need to pay in full when you accept your quotation.

How long will the work take?
We will order the equipment required for your connection once you accept our quotation. If your project needs only small amounts of underground or overhead line materials, normally it will take six to eight weeks once we we have secured any necessary landowner consents and permissions. This could extend to 20 weeks if the job includes ground mounted substation equipment. Once we have all of the materials and consents, we will give you our expected works start and completion dates. These timescales are only an estimate. We will always try to shorten them if possible.

Will I need to do anything as part of the new connection work?
You will need to provide an entry duct into your property or properties so we can  install our service cable into your meter position. We will give you details in your quotation.

You may also elect to carry out cable trenching work and installation of road crossing ducts on your site. If you decide to carry out this work, we will provide you with a specification for this with your quotation.