Supply Connections
Helping you during Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
We're pleased to say that we're now in a position where our meter operators are starting to return back to the field. What this means is that we're able to accept applications and liaise with your chosen meter operator to see if they can offer an appointment for your new connection.
There are now extra checks that we need to put in place to guarantee the safety of the meter operators, so you'll be asked to provide extra information after we've received and reviewed your application form.
Please note that if you do not have the cabling in place to support your new meter then you should contact your local Distribution Network Operator.
Adding or changing a site on your Framework account
Change a connection at an existing building
You might need to change your building’s electricity supply connection and meter if you are refurbishing a property or installing new equipment that needs more power than the current connection can cope with.
Crown Commercial Service - Site Additions
Do you want to understand more about the EDF and CCS site addition process? In this short explainer video, we make it simple by guiding you through what a site addition is, when it's required, how you set one up and how long it takes to get onto the framework.
Unsure how to get a new electricity supply? We'll explain all
Do you need electricity at your site? Whether you’re looking for a permanent or temporary electricity connection, you need to know who to talk to, what to do – and, importantly, in what order.
Co-ordinating your new connections effectively
Progressing from your first supply request to finally receiving your first electricity bill can be complicated if you don’t follow the correct steps. We're here to help you understand the roles and responsibilities of each party in the process, including your own.
The four key parties and their roles in the new connections process
1. Your organisation
We think your role is probably the most important in the electricity supply connections process, as you will have to co-ordinate and liaise between all the parties. Follow this e-guide and remember that it’s important to understand what you have to do and in what order, so that the other parties can connect your supply on time.
2. The Distribution Network Operator (DNO)
The DNO provides quotes and invoices for construction and installation of serivces as well as organising cabling from the grid to the meter.
3. The electricity supplier
Your supplier provides electricity contracts, organises metering installation, requests for a site to be made live and bills for the energy supplier to the site on an ongoing basis.
4. The meter operator (MOp)
The MOp will look after the metering contracts and mange the meter installation and maintenance.
Setting up a new electricity connection...
These are the steps you need to follow to secure a successful new electricity connection.
1. Apply for a new connection
To apply for a new electricity connection you’ll need to:
- Contact the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) that covers the area where the new site is located. Find out who your DNO is here.
- Request a new or increased supply of electricity to business premises form from the DNO customer connection centre. This form will require details of all electrical equipment that will be used on the site
- Discuss your requirements with the DNO and determine the maximum electricity load (in KVA) the site will ever need. This is known as the “chargeable capacity” or “availability”.
2. Designing a new connection
Once ‘availability’ has been established the DNO will:
- Design the system and identify what work is required to connect the new site to the regional electricity network
- Provide you with a quote, with costs and an estimated delivery period.
Remember: The timescale to complete the new electricity connection is dependent on many factors including the complexity of the design, infrastructure requirements, land, planning and sub-station requirements. So, it’s important that you make an application for a new supply as early as possible and allow time for any planning or legal transactions to be completed.
3. Order and payment
To enable the DNO to programme your work, you will need to submit a quote acceptance form and payment.
4. MPAN / supply number
Your DNO will now provide you with a unique reference number called the MPAN. The MPAN number is a 13 digit unique reference, used to identify your electricity supply point. You'll need to give this number to your electricity supplier when completing your application form so they can register your MPAN with MPAS.
5. DNO activities
The DNO will appoint a local engineer who will:
- Take responsibility for engineering activities and programming matters.
- Advise you on dates for connection of the new incoming supply cable and energisation of the supply up to the cutouts (fuses).
6. Apply for a new connection
When you receive your MPAN, you can:
- Nominate your chosen supplier
- Complete a new connection application form and send it to your supplier
The metering industry is an open competitive market, and you can choose your own Non Half Hourly AMR or Half Hourly Meter (HH) Operator. Details of Meter Operators available can be found at www.meteroperators.org.uk/members.
7. Testing site equipment
Before the DNO can connect the new site to the grid you’ll need to:
- Have a qualified electrician test all of the electrical equipment in the premises. This test certifies that all the internal electrical circuits and equipment meet the current wiring regulations (Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) regulations).
- Leave the test certificate on site at the meter point visible for the Meter Operator (MOP) engineer.
8. Metering
A minimum of 20 working days notice is required prior to the preferred meter installation date to enable your supplier to:
- Register your site;
- Nominate the metering agents for you;
- Book in a metering appointment.
9. Congratulations!
And that's it, you're now set up.