Problems with the management of utility connections can result in costly delays for new projects
So what happens in the interim? Obviously the industry has some work to do until it can deliver point of con- nection services to a cost-effective standard, without throwing new-build development projects over budget and delaying them past scheduled comple- tion. Nevertheless, there are solutions. In order to ensure you're getting the best service, it's vital that you take advantage of the competition out there. Shopping around will pay off. It's also good to get yourself some protection; by enlisting the support of an Energy Service Company to man- age the process for you, you have a safeguard should you run into trouble. In 2010, one of our clients, the
Crown Plaza in Westminster, required a high voltage power supply to feed a 1,000-bed hotel. Having taken the traditional route of applying to the Distribution Network Operator, the project met a few delays and threat- ened to go over budget. That's where The Energy Desk came in. Through our industry knowledge and by shop- ping around, we were able to save six months and approximately £100,000. Finding the best option with the right supplier and at the right cost is achievable. Managing a new utility con- nection can be done smoothly and without obstacles – it's just a case of speaking to the right people. l
ISSUE 1 2013 © cybertrek 2013
Utility ConneCtions Ask TED, The Energy Desk’s specialist help desk, answers your questions
If I need a new gas or electricity connection for a new building, who will arrange the connection? There are various options here but build- ers and developers will still generally approach the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), which is licensed to distribute the elec- tricity or gas and can install the required equipment for a new connection. In this case the DNO is responsi- ble for the connection but they can sub-con- tract some of the work, which incurs an addi- tional charge.
Who installs my electric meter?
The assumption here is often that the DNO will supply and install the meter but this is not the case. The supplier will do this and this requires at least 28 days notice to ensure installation is
done on time. However, if you are dealing with tight time frames you can employ the industry knowledge of an energy services company and reduce this down to approximately 15 days.
How do I work out how big my connection supply should be? A building will always have a maximum demand, which is the maximum amount of electricity being used at any one time. This is carefully calculated on the basis of the nature and size of the equip- ment you will be using. The supply will also allow for expansion should you start using more equipment later down the line.
How do I know who the best connections provider is?
There's an assumption that there's a lack of competition out there
and because of this the automatic port of call is the Distribution Network Operator. However, there are over 100 Lloyd’s accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICPs) that are often 10 to 20 per cent cheaper that the local DNO. It’s important to review your options and compare quotes to make sure you are get- ting the best deal.
What should I do if I already have a connection but need to increase my gas or electricity capacity? The application for this is much the same as applying for a new con- nection. This can be managed on your behalf by an energy services company or you can apply directly to your Distribution Network Operator. You will need to know what size con- nection you need to upgrade to.
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