Over 30% Saved on Electricity Connection Costs for Major Development

Organising utilities services for a large-scale development requires careful planning, coordination and a focus on minimising disruption. 

When a luxury mixed-use development in Essex, comprising high-end residential apartments and commercial units, required a range of utility services, they needed a solution that shared their strong emphasis on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. 

Connectus worked to coordinate the services required and ensure the project ran smoothly and efficiently. 

Balancing Complex Requirements and Securing Savings 

Coordinating and delivering the utilities for this development presented the client with two key challenges: 

1. Minimising disruption – The electrical connection point was located approximately 200 metres from the development, creating logistical challenges and increasing the potential for disruption to local traffic. The works also required traffic management permits and approval from the local council. 
2. Managing costs– The initial quotation from the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), UK Power Networks (UKPN), was over £125,000, placing significant pressure on the project budget. 

The client required both commercial and domestic meters, as well as careful consideration of potential disruption and the need to secure the relevant permits and permissions. 

Connectus worked closely with the client to overcome these challenges and arrange a complex set of services, ensuring permissions and timely completion as well as helping to create savings, without compromising on the development’s high standards. 

A Coordinated Multi-Stage Approach 

Securing competitive quotes 

Connectus initially managed the temporary builders’ supply (TBS), to ensure power was available during construction, then gathered quotes for the permanent electricity, gas, water and telecommunications connections from the relevant providers. Connectus also tendered the electricity and gas connections to secure more competitive quotations. 

Once the TBS was no longer needed, Connectus then organised the safe disconnection of the supply and proceeded to install the new meters in line with the project timeline. 

By drawing upon existing relationships with energy suppliers, metering companies and network operators, Connectus was able to secure a revised electricity connection quotation of less than £90,000.  

This represented a saving of more than 30% against the original quotation of over £125,000. 

Minimising disruption 

With approximately 200 metres of excavation required for the electricity connection, it was essential to organise traffic management and secure the relevant permits before the works could go ahead.  Connectus worked directly with the council and its street works permits department, to maintain compliance and help minimise disruption. 

The Results: Over 30% Saved on Electrical Network Quotes 

Through competitive procurement and effective coordination, Connectus secured a saving of over 30% on the electrical network quotation, significantly reducing costs for the client. This approach also took the time, complexity and administrative burden away from the client, helping to keep the project moving forward. 

Have you got a new project on the horizon? Whether you need new connections, upgrades, disconnections or temporary utility supplies, Connectus can manage the entire process from start to finish, helping you secure competitive rates and keep your project on track. Get in touch today to discover how Connectus can support your project.