You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion
New Build Supply Issue
Former Community Member
Has anyone here had an issue getting a connection to a new build, due to a substation being at full capacity? We are building in a residential area, albeit rural and on a plot of land that did have a property on it, although some years ago and upon requesting a temporary supply, the surveyor has informed me that I will have to pay to upgrade the network. When I asked about costs he said it could be anywhere from £10k to £100k. Obviously in a bit of a panic and thought I’d reach out to you experts and see if anyone could advise or alleviate my fast beating heart rate! Also, to ask if the old connection would have any bearing? Many thanks all.
In that they overestimated the true need and tried to charge for unnecessary usage?
We believe that we will need a single phase, 100A supply. We could reduce this by using LPG but that may cause some issues on the planning front.
Surely it’s the responsibility of the DNO’s to ensure they have a network that is robust and has tolerance for new homes and an ever-increasing need for supply?
That’s likely to be a whole new thread of conversation though I imagine!
Unfortunately if you only need a single phase supply and the nearest DNO supply cable (not the sub) is at capacity, they probably aren't going to run a 3 core single phase cable out that far from the sub for one supply. If the sub is overloaded and you require a brand new sub then the cost does get silly prices - but this might be able to be argued out with the DNO, depending how strong you're feeling!
You would think it's down to the DNO to ensure they have capacity, but who wants to spend money when they don't need to? The general population are starting to use less energy when it comes to lighting, TV's and small electronic items - which is great for the DNO as they can put their upgrade on the back burner! But add in a surprise (like a new development or EV chargers) and they absolutely fall to pieces (and want you to pay for it).
If you can supply some of the cables and do the ground works/lay duct yourself, you might be able to save some money, but if you have to do any streetworks that aren't on private land, then you need to think about getting a Section 50 Licence from the council....
In that they overestimated the true need and tried to charge for unnecessary usage?
We believe that we will need a single phase, 100A supply. We could reduce this by using LPG but that may cause some issues on the planning front.
Surely it’s the responsibility of the DNO’s to ensure they have a network that is robust and has tolerance for new homes and an ever-increasing need for supply?
That’s likely to be a whole new thread of conversation though I imagine!
Unfortunately if you only need a single phase supply and the nearest DNO supply cable (not the sub) is at capacity, they probably aren't going to run a 3 core single phase cable out that far from the sub for one supply. If the sub is overloaded and you require a brand new sub then the cost does get silly prices - but this might be able to be argued out with the DNO, depending how strong you're feeling!
You would think it's down to the DNO to ensure they have capacity, but who wants to spend money when they don't need to? The general population are starting to use less energy when it comes to lighting, TV's and small electronic items - which is great for the DNO as they can put their upgrade on the back burner! But add in a surprise (like a new development or EV chargers) and they absolutely fall to pieces (and want you to pay for it).
If you can supply some of the cables and do the ground works/lay duct yourself, you might be able to save some money, but if you have to do any streetworks that aren't on private land, then you need to think about getting a Section 50 Licence from the council....
