If you’re a developer building new homes, or business premises, or somebody carrying out substantial work on a domestic property, you may need to consider getting a new electricity connection at some point. Crown Energy has helped thousands of customers get connected to the electricity supply in the UK.
This guide will assist you in understanding what goes into setting up a new electricity connection and the steps involved to get you connected.
What is the electricity distribution network?
In the United Kingdom, the infrastructure used to deliver electricity to properties is owned and operated by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs).
Most regions in the UK are monopolised by a certain DNO. A property or premises is supplied electricity by a specific DNO, based on location. You can’t select which DNO you’d like to be your supplier.
Additionally, various Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) own and operate sections of the UK’s electricity distribution network.
How do I set up a new electricity connection?
When undertaking the task of setting up a new electricity connection on any property, it’s of vital importance that this process is completed professionally. Here’s how Crown Energy makes getting a new electricity connection simple and straightforward:
Contact Crown Energy and start your new electricity connection application
Get in touch with us to begin the process of getting a new electricity connection. Submit a call back request, fill in a utility application form, or give us a call on 0330 158 8287.
The utility advisor you speak with will be your dedicated account manager and sole point-of-contact for your application. They will take down all the relevant details from you. We will need a site plan or drawing of the property and location from you. Most of the information we require can be gathered from a simple drawing or site plan. This will negate the need for a site visit and enables us to accurately determine what.
At this stage the drawing needs to be as concise as possible. We simply need to get an understanding of where the proposed work is going to happen.
We then marry this information with our databases on the local infrastructure. Our design engineers will begin the plans on how the work can be best carried out alongside the costing to provide you with a quote for your new electricity connection.
It’s important to note that there are different services which have to be consulted and coordinated to make sure your electricity supply gets connected for when you need it. It can be a minefield knowing who is required for what service, making getting connected on time difficult.
At Crown Energy, your dedicated account manager will contact all of the relevant Network Owners and statutory bodies on your behalf. They will also talk you through the whole process. We’re here to make your new electricity connection stress-free for you. So, we’ll handle the process from application to completion with ease.
The average time for us to get you a standard Low Voltage connection costing is 2-4 weeks.
What documents do I need for a new electricity connection?
The documents you need to start the new electricity connection process will depend on the works you require. To begin a new electricity connection application with Crown Energy, we will need to see a site plan or drawing to understand the scope of work involved.
Once we have this, our design engineers will produce a plan and costing for the work required. You can get started by submitting a utility application form or requesting a call back. One of our team will be in touch to discuss your project and confirm all the details.
You will have a dedicated account manager from the very first call. They will advise you if further documentation or, in some cases, a site visit, is needed.
Accept the quote and make payment for work to begin
Once you’re happy with the plan and costing we provide, the next step is to approve the quote and make the payment for work to begin. After receiving your payment in full, we will arrange for your new electricity connection to be installed. As per the design, any infrastructure and power service cabling – that enables the premises to receive its electricity supply – is included.
We’ll arrange suitable dates and times to carry out the work. Our trusted network of nationwide service providers are usually available from 8am until 6pm from Monday to Friday. It’s possible to secure workers over the weekend and/or bank holidays, however, that will usually come with additional charges. Your utility account manager will be happy to discuss, and advise on, any special arrangements with you.
Qualified representatives will be required on-site to ensure the work is carried out correctly and safely. If any unforeseen changes come up at any time, we will keep you informed.
How long will it take to get a new electricity connection?
At Crown Energy, the average time for a standard Low Voltage work to be completed following acceptance and payment from the customer is 6-12 weeks. However, there are some factors out of our control that could delay the works from being completed. These include, but are not limited to:
- Our contractors are not available in your area within the 6-12-week timescale.
- The job needs any specific form of traffic management.
- Emergencies within the customer’s area take priority.
- Reinforcements or diversions in the network to accommodate the new load.
- Delayed payment or signed acceptance from the customer.
How much does it cost to get a new electricity connection?
The cost of a new electricity connection will vary. Every project is unique and the cost will depend on the scope of work involved. Once you’ve sent over your site plan or drawing, and we have all the required details from you to begin your new electricity connection application, our design engineers will work on the design and costing. Within two to four weeks, we’ll send you a comprehensive quote with a scope of works. Your account manager will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Factors which may affect the price could include – but are not limited to:
- Traffic management – you may have to pay a local authority fee if a nearby road needs closing or a diversion putting in place.
- Excavation work – you have the option to dig your own land to keep costs to a minimum.
Please note, you will need to sign and accept the design and costing we have prepared and make payment in advance for the work. We will take the reins and arrange all the necessary labour, and any required permits or traffic management. Your account manager will keep you informed along the way on the dates and progress of your new electricity connection.
Can Crown Energy install my electricity meter?
The simple answer is yes. We provide an end-to-end multi-utility service. We can facilitate your new electricity connection as well as arranging to install your electricity meter. In fact, many of our customers choose Crown Energy to do both in order to consolidate the work required. This often helps to reduce time, and can mitigate the costs associated with electricity mains connections and meter installations. By taking away the hassle of both in one service, Crown Energy frees up your valuable time and delivers your connection quickly, and at a competitive price.
What are the different types of electricity meters?
There are various types of electricity meters They are broken down into two categories: credit and prepayment meters.
Credit meters track the amount of electricity consumed. A bill is then generated based on the increased numerical values given on the display. Therefore, you will pay for your month usage based on a meter reading.
A prepayment meter needs to be topped up with credit. It provides an allocated value of electricity remaining on a display. This type of meter allows the customer further control of their electricity spend and usage.
I already have an electricity meter – can it be moved?
Yes, your electricity meter can be moved, however this depends on the distance and location. In some cases, such as if the meter is difficult to access and you are unable to read your meter, we will be able to arrange to move it to your new location. We will also arrange to move your meter for reasons such as building work or renovations.
Electricity suppliers generally have restrictions as to where you can move your meter within your property. This varies from one supplier to the next. If you would like to move your electricity meter to a different location within your property, we will require the following information from you:
- Address of property of work required
- Full name and telephone number
- How far you wish to move the electricity meter
Recap: How can Crown Energy help with my new electricity connection?
Crown Energy takes the stress out of getting your home or business connected to an electricity supply.
From planning to design and specialist project management, our team is equipped to help with large jobs, multi-plot requirements, business parks, housing developments, and everything in between.
With almost three decades in the industry, we have helped thousands of customers. Our reduced timescales and competitive prices mean that your new electricity connection is completed quickly and professionally.