Here we’ll take you through the stages, what information you’ll need, and the timescales you might expect.
Step 1. Find out what total capacity you need.
This will consist of two numbers.
Firstly, you’ll need the total kVA which your property will require. Your electrical engineer should be able to advise you on this. If they don’t know it, then you have two options: a) find another electrical engineer who can, or b) you’ll have to perform the more difficult task of finding the total wattage demand of all your machinery or equipment, including the new equipment you want to install, and that could become your total capacity. However – we’d recommend for a qualified electrical engineer to advise you on this.
Secondly, you’ll need to estimate the total kWh your premises will use in a year. Once again your electrical engineer should be able to help you with this, however if not, then don’t fear as this often doesn’t need to be 100% accurate. You can take the formula of:
working hours per week x average kVA demand x 52 weeks.
If for example you believed your average kVA demand would be around 100 kVA, and your working hours are 40 per week, then this would be 40 x 100 x 52 = 208,000 kWh.
For a new connection, you’ll also need site diagrams showing the building layout, local area, and your desired meter location.
Step 2. Contact us
We’ll contact the relevant Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to determine if the capacity you require is available, and what charges may be applicable.
You can contact us via our website here, or call us on 0800 040 70 90.
Step 3. Receive the quote from DNO.
You’ll likely have to pay any charges from the DNO, in full, in advance of any work being undertaken.
Once paid, the DNO will schedule the works and co-ordinate the project.
The DNO will create your mpan (if you don’t already have one). Keep this on file, you’ll need it later.
Step 4. Ensure you have a Meter Operator ready.
It’s no good having a new installation, without a meter.
We’ll help arrange a meter operator agreement, who will be responsible for installing and maintaining the electricity meter. The charges for this can be around £250-350 per year for a half-hourly meter.
For smaller, non-half hourly supplies, your supplier (next step) is likely to arrange this.
Step 5. Arrange your supply contract, and make the supply live.
We’ll obtain quotes for your electricity supply and present you with the most competitive options.
After you sign your electricity contract, we’ll arrange for all parties to liaise with one another to complete the project.
Insider tip: You might expect suppliers, DNOs, and meter operators to speak to one another through email or phone – but not so. They all ‘speak’ to one another through what’s known as ‘industry flows’, which are electronic messages through a central system. Albeit mostly efficient, it can also sometimes create frustration from all parties due to the limitation of such systems, when a simple email or phone call would be much better.
Here’s generally how the process goes:
- DNO confirms site is ready for the meter and can be made live.
- Supplier registers themselves as the appointed supplier.
- Supplier sends an appointment flow to the meter operator.
- Meter Operator confirms acceptance for them to become the designated meter operator.
- Supplier sends another flow to the meter operator requesting a meter install.
- Meter Operator arranges a date to install the meter and the supply can be energised.
If, for any reason, the meter operator cannot perform their job, the process from e) above might have to start again (this is an example of where an email or phone call could work much better).
Once the supply is energised, that’s it! You should be up and running.
You now just need to wait for electricity bills to arrive from your supplier.
How long does the process take?
From start to finish, it can take around 10 to 18 weeks to get a new connection installed, but this can be longer depending on the scope of the project and the availability of the DNO.
How much do you charge for new connection consultation?
We don’t make a charge for new connection consultations as long as we are appointed to arrange the new electricity supply contract. This is because we’ll be paid a commission (which will be disclosed on the supply contract) from the supplier.
We’ll only make a charge for new connection consultation or work undertaken if we aren’t appointed to arrange the supply contract, or if we need to attend site visits for example.
Can I just get my own mains meter installed by an electrician?
No. The DNO won’t allow for a new connection to become live with a meter which hasn’t been installed by an Ofgem Approved Meter Installer (OAMI). You can’t just have your local electrician install your new mains meter.
I have more questions.
No problem. We love questions! Just contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any other questions you have regarding new electricity connections or how we can help.
