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TalkPower Energy Academy

Plan: How to arrange a new connection

Overview

  • Setting up a new electricity connection

  • What's a MOP and a DNO?

  • Co-ordinating your new connections effectively

So, how do you get a new electricity connection?
We'll take you through everything you need to know...

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.

 02:43

Here's our guide to establishing a new electricity supply

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.

Read on to find out where you need to start, who you need to appoint and who does what.

 

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.
  • 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 apoint 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.

 

 

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