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iDNO query?

alanblaby

Hello all, possibly a query for the DNO people.

I have a new build plot that requires a new connection. Site drawings show the digging/trenching will be minimal, approx 2 metres or less on the public footpath, into a GRP box at the house boundary.

This is in Southern Scotland. I presumed the DNO would be Scottish Power, who were decent, and replied the following day to my query , that they do not cover that area, it is an iDNO that owns the Network - Energetics / Lastmile.

This is where the problem starts. I spoke to their receptionist on the phone, who says I need to email them with the request, but, they will not be replying to any emails for around 45 days, as they are so busy! They will also not take phone calls to their Install  / Design Staff, it is email only. My first email was on 13.7.22, no reply as yet!

Now , this is beyond a joke when we want to get it connected in a reasonable timeframe.

My query, would it be possible to get an Independent Connection Provider to connect up this house, being as it is currently run by an iDNO?

If so, does this ICP need to be registered with Energetix? Or, can any ICP connect to a iDNO network?

If not, any suggestions to get them to actually answer an email or pick up the phone?

Thanks, Alan.

  • 0

    This sort of poor service does encourage the back door style solution of finding a tame jointing team to drop by after work.

  • 0

    If it as bad as you say, the iDNO is possibly failing to meet the terms of its licence.

    The "Standard conditions of the Electricity Distribution Licence" include things like time limits for providing relevant responses and doing works. I know English DNOs take it seriously, I am less sure about the rules that cover an iDNO in Scotland.

    Mike

  • +1

    If so, does this ICP need to be registered with Energetix? Or, can any ICP connect to a iDNO network?

    See if any of our DNO-type contributors can give you a definitive answer, but as far as I can tell, accreditation is done at a national level by .https://www.lrqa.com/en-gb/utilities/ners/ . Different ICPs may be accredited for different scopes (HV/LV etc.), may choose to operate only in certain geographical areas, and may have to demonstrate that they are able to work within the various network operators technical requirements, but I can't see anything that suggests than an ICP need to be specifically accredited by the iDNO (or DNO). Lists on various DNO web sites seem to be driven by ICPs asking to be listed, rather than being approved by the DNO.

    So probably worth contacting an ICP or two and see if they could help you.

          - Andy.

  • 0 in reply to AJJewsbury

    Yes, thankyou all.

    I have spoken to 2 ICPs this week, they were not interested in a single connection, they generally do larger sites, but I'll search some more and see if anything comes up.

    I explained my predicament to one of them, who said they have exactly the same problem, they have to inform the DNO that they are working on their network, and do not get any better service, typically waiting weeks for a reply. In another area, SSEN actually did the connection 3 weeks after initial correspondence, the householder now has the problem of getting a meter fitted, and all he has tried so far say they cannot do it for up to 6 months - that was the retail side of Scottish Power who said 'early in the new year'.

  • 0 in reply to alanblaby
    alanblaby said:
    the householder now has the problem of getting a meter fitted, and all he has tried so far say they cannot do it for up to 6 months - that was the retail side of Scottish Power who said 'early in the new year'.

    Might be because none of the suppliers wants to take on new customers at the moment.

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