FAQs

Physical Electric or Water connection to site for the building is to be constructed. This is called at Pre-lims stage where welfare and machines need to be operated to demolish or construct the building.

The process requires understanding the site requirements, making applications to the local network and managing it through to delivery and installing meter for energisation.

Connetus has the resource to manage the scheme, understanding the general timelines and the importance of TBS getting in early and reviewing  the design for each location.

Electrical substations provide high voltage supply to large developments and buildings. Multiple buildings can be fed from a single substation. The usual requirement is for 300kVa upwards and when there is minimal available capacity on the low voltage local network.

The Network and ICP’s provide the design and installation service. These companies are regulated by OFGEM and complete the installation from specification documents and designs issued by the developer through to energisation of the substation.

Connectus can review the clients specification documents, identify risk in terms of location of substation and potential timelines. We also coordinate all the parties involved in the connection of a substation.

There are Gas, Electric, Water, Telecoms and other services in the ground. When a new building is being demolished or built, existing services need to be identified to mitigate risk of damaging the existing services in the ground. These services are called Assets.

Asset plans can be obtained from the network and combined into a report to identify where the services are and allow for the developer to understand whether they need to be disconnected, diverted or protected. This would be carried out at the early stages of a development at pre-planning stage.

The process would be to obtain asset maps from the relevant networks in the local area and combine them into a report for review.

Connectus can support your business through their experiecne and knowledge of knowing all network providers and being able to review an asset plan document and advise on potential diversions and disconnections.

For every new Electric/Gas/Water Meter that is installed, a supply contract is required. Across the UK, meters are owned and operated by Meter Operators. A Supply contract is raised with an energy supplier.

There are different types of Meters, spanning from Non Half-hourly (NHH) to Half-hourly (HH) and Single Phase to Three-phase, for electric.

For Gas there are Low pressure, Medium pressure and High pressure meters.

For Water there are several different types depending on the size and type of water supply. Most water meters are called Linear Meters.

The process is the energy supplier requires the site details in terms of loadings and where the meter needs to be installed. The suppliers raise an energy contract and then instructs the meter operator to install. This can be a 6 week process for a new meter and longer if a meter needs replacing or upgrading.

• Check your latest energy bill

Your supplier’s name and contact details are usually right at the top.
Look for a logo or a line that says something like: “Your electricity is supplied by [Supplier Name]

• Use and online look up tool (UK only)

For electricity:
Use the Energy Networks Association (ENA) tool: https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator
You’ll need your postcode and sometimes your MPAN number (from your meter or previous bill).

For gas:
Use the Find My Supplier service: www.findmysupplier.energy
Just enter your postcode and address, and it’ll show:
– Your gas supplier
– Your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN)

• Call your local DNO (for electricity)

If you don’t have a bill and can’t use the online tools, your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) can tell you who supplies your electricity.

1. Identify Your Electrical Supply Type:
   1. Single-Phase Supply: Most UK homes have this setup, typically supporting chargers up to 7.4kW.​
   2. Three-Phase Supply: Less common in residential properties, this allows for higher charging capacities, such as 11kW or 22kW chargers.​
2. To determine your supply type, inspect your main electrical fuse box:
   1. Single-Phase: Usually has one fuse.​
   2. Three-Phase: Contains three 100-amp fuses.​
3. Obtain Approval from Your Distribution Network Operator (DNO):
   1. In the UK, installing an EV charger requires notifying your DNO. They will assess your supply’s adequacy and identify any necessary upgrades. ​We Power Your Car
4. Consider Upgrading to a Three-Phase Supply:
   1. If you plan to install a charger exceeding 7.4kW, upgrading to a three-phase supply might be necessary. This process can be costly and requires coordination with your DNO.​

By following these steps and collaborating with professionals, you can ensure that your home’s electrical system is prepared for safe and efficient EV charging.

Who do you contact?
Your energy supplier is responsible for your electricity meter.

Here’s what to do:

1. Call your electricity supplier (the company that sends your electricity bill).
2. Request a meter relocation and explain:
   1. How far you want it moved
   2. Why you’re moving it (e.g. to make room for a new consumer unit or cupboard)
3. They’ll confirm if they can do it or if the DNO (Distribution Network Operator) needs to be involved.

Cost

• Minor move (under 1 meter): Usually around £100–£200.
• If more than 1 meter, or if the supply cable also needs moving: the DNO must be involved, which can cost £500+.

Things to keep in mind

• You’ll likely need a qualified electrician to move or extend the consumer unit tails (the cables between the meter and your fuse board).
• Power will be turned off during the work—typically 1–3 hours.
• The meter must remain accessible and safe (e.g. not hidden behind walls or furniture).

What are your options?

1. Use your Local DNO directly. This is the most common approach. You request a new connection through them, and they handle:
   
   1. Designing the connection
   2. Installing the main supply cable
   3. Providing or relocating the service head
2. Use an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) – You can choose a registered ICP instead of your DNO. They can often offer:
   1. Competitive pricing
   2. More flexibility on timescales

However:

1. 1. Your DNO will still need to approve and connect to their network (final tie-in work).
   2. ICPs typically work on larger or commercial projects, but some will take on domestic work too.

Use the Energy Networks Association (ENA) Lookup Tool. Head to this link: https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator and just pop in your postcode, and it will tell you:

• Your electricity DNO
• Your gas transporter
• Emergency contact numbers