Can illegal connections cause major issues?

What would you do if you took over a site and found an illegal connection?

Energy and water suppliers are clamping down on unlawful connections, with major fines levied if no action is taken on such an issue.

Thames Water, for instance, has dished out total penalties of around £450,000, over the last seven years, to those caught up in a dispute over an illegal connection, relating to their supply.

Connectus Utilities would advise all clients to contact us immediately, should this problem arise. While not exactly commonplace, it does happen and can be, above all, dangerous.

An example is when one client, a major retail bookmaking organisation, was taking over a site, in London, and discovered an illegal connection, that was unmetered.

This was part of a refit, which typically uses metered electricity that is already in place, but one additional cable, from an unknown source, was coming through the building’s space.

It could not be disconnected by a local electrician, because of uncertainty in where the supply could be isolated, having been attached to the ceiling.

The connection was coming from an accompanying unit, a solicitor’s office, who were unaware that their energy supply had been breached.

With a quick resolution required, Connectus were contacted to solve the problem and arrange for an emergency disconnection.

Connectus worked with the DNO (Distribution Network Operator) and UK Power Networks (UKPN), who required access to both sites to safely complete a disconnection.

This came at no charge to this client, as all of the necessary processes and safety guidelines had been followed to the letter.

Time was of the essence, in this situation, and provides guidance on how a utility consultant can offer insights and support.

Connectus are on hand, as trouble-shooters for all things utilities. To contact us, call 0330 221 6565, fill out an enquiry form or utilise the live webchat function.