Electricity connections
New electricity connections, applied for and managed
New supplies for homes, developments and commercial sites, plus capacity upgrades and three-phase. We size the load, apply to the right network operator, compare independent offers and see it through to the day the power goes on.
Getting a new electricity supply is more than filling in a form
Every new supply in Great Britain is connected to the network of a distribution network operator (DNO), the company that owns the cables and substations in your area. There are 14 DNO licence areas, run by five DNO groups. Before they will quote, they need to know exactly what you're building, where the supply needs to go and how much power it will draw.
For a single home this can be straightforward. For a development, a commercial unit or a home with a heat pump and EV charger, the details decide the price. Too little capacity means a second application later. Too much can mean paying for network work you didn't need.
We take care of it. We work out the load with you, prepare the application with the drawings each operator wants, and, where the work is open to competition, get prices from independent providers as well. Then we check each offer and manage the process through to energisation.
We handle electricity applications for
- New single-phase and three-phase supplies
- Self-build homes and replacement dwellings
- Housing developments, from 2 plots to large phased schemes
- Flats, conversions and landlord supplies
- Commercial and industrial units
- Capacity upgrades, including single to three-phase
- EV charging and heat pump load increases
- Unmetered supplies, such as street lighting
- Large demand schemes, including the extra information now required at 5 MVA and above
- Temporary builder's supplies
DNO, IDNO or ICP: you often have a choice
Some connection work can only be done by the local network operator. Much of the rest is contestable, which means accredited independent companies can quote for it too. Comparing them can lower the cost or shorten the wait.
| Who | What they do | When it suits |
|---|---|---|
| DNO Distribution network operator | Owns the local network. Designs and builds the connection, and always does the non-contestable work, such as the final connection to its network. | Single homes and simple supplies, where one price from one company is the easiest route. |
| ICP Independent connection provider | Accredited under the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS, run by LRQA) to build contestable work: cables, ducts and substations, to the network operator's standards. | Developments and commercial sites, where you want to control the programme or the price. |
| IDNO Independent distribution network operator | Licensed to own and run networks within a site. Takes on the site network after it's built and connects it to the DNO's network. | Larger developments, where an IDNO may pay an asset value towards the cost of the on-site network. |
Not every job is worth taking to the market. For many single supplies the DNO route is quickest. We tell you which route fits your site and why. Read our DNO, IDNO and ICP guide.
How we handle your electricity application
You deal with us. We deal with the network operator, the independent providers and the paperwork.
Start early
A simple domestic supply is often live a couple of months after the offer is accepted and paid. Sites that need new substations or network reinforcement can take much longer. Apply as soon as you have planning permission and a layout.
- 1
Site and load review
We confirm your network operator, check existing supplies and work out the load, including heating, EV charging, solar and batteries.
- 2
Application prepared
We prepare the application with the location plan, site layout, meter positions and load figures in the format the operator asks for.
- 3
Quotes and comparison
We request the network operator's offer and, where it makes sense, independent quotes. We compare scope, exclusions, timings and cost.
- 4
Acceptance and programme
Once you choose, we handle the acceptance, payments schedule, wayleaves queries and dates, and tell you what groundwork your builder must do.
- 5
Energisation and meters
We line up the connection date and remind you to appoint an energy supplier, so a meter can be fitted and the supply used.
Heat pumps, EV chargers and solar change the numbers
The size of supply you ask for affects what the network operator has to build, and so what you pay. These are the loads we check with you before applying.
Heat pumps
Electric heating is the biggest single change in demand for new homes. It often decides whether a larger supply or a three-phase connection is needed.
EV charging
In England, new homes with parking need charge points under Building Regulations. Chargers add load that has to be planned for.
Solar and batteries
Generation and storage may need the network operator's approval as well as the demand connection.
Shared loads
Lifts, communal lighting, plant rooms and pumps need their own landlord supply on apartment schemes.
Information for an electricity application
Send what you have. We'll tell you if anything is missing and help you put the rest together.
- Site address and a location plan with the site edged in red
- Site layout, with plot numbers on developments
- Number and type of homes or units
- Heating type and any EV chargers, solar or batteries
- Preferred meter positions
- Details of any existing supply on site
- When you need the supply, and any phasing
What affects the price
The network operator sets the connection price. The main factors are the distance to a suitable cable, the capacity you need, whether a new substation or network reinforcement is required, and how much road or footpath has to be dug up.
Since 1 April 2023, demand connections pay for the new assets that connect them (the extension), while wider reinforcement is mostly paid for through network charges. You can still be charged for assets used only by you, or where reinforcement costs go over Ofgem's high cost cap. We check each offer applies this correctly.
As an indication, National Grid Electricity Distribution's published guide shows around £2,500 + VAT and 8 weeks for a single new home in its areas. Other operators and more complex sites differ.
Our own fee for managing the application is fixed and agreed before we start.
Read the connection costs guideElectricity connection questions
How long does a new electricity connection take?
It depends on the job. A straightforward supply to a single home can often be connected within a few months of a complete application. Larger sites, new substations or network reinforcement can take many months. We give you a realistic timeline once we know the site.
What is the difference between a DNO and an ICP?
The DNO owns the local electricity network. An ICP is an accredited independent company that can build the parts of the connection that are open to competition. The DNO still carries out the non-contestable work, such as connecting to its existing network.
Do I need a single-phase or three-phase supply?
Most homes run on single-phase. Larger homes, heat pumps, several EV chargers or commercial equipment may need three-phase. We work it out from your loads before applying, so you don't pay for more than you need.
Who pays for network reinforcement?
Since 1 April 2023, demand connections in Great Britain usually pay only for the extension assets that connect them. Wider reinforcement is paid through network charges, unless it goes over Ofgem's high cost cap or the assets serve only you. We check that each quote applies the rules properly.
How long is an electricity quote valid for?
Each network operator sets its own period and states it in the offer. 90 days is common. If it expires, you may need to apply again, so we time applications so offers are still valid when you are ready to accept.
How quickly will the network operator quote?
There are national guaranteed standards. For example, a quote for a single low-voltage service should arrive within 5 working days, and for 1 to 4 premises within 15 working days, once the application is complete. Larger and higher-voltage schemes take longer.
Do I need an energy supplier as well?
Yes. The network operator provides the connection, but you also need an energy supplier to fit a meter and supply the electricity. We tell you when to arrange this so it doesn't hold up the switch-on.
Can you upgrade the supply to an existing building?
Yes. We handle capacity increases and single-phase to three-phase upgrades for homes and commercial buildings, often needed for heat pumps, EV charging or new equipment.
Other connections for your site
Need a new electricity supply?
Send us the site details and we'll confirm the network operator, the best route and a clear quote for managing your application.