Ask Our Experts – Gas, Electricity and Water Services

The majority of the information we require can be gleaned from a simple drawing or site plan. In the majority of cases, this will negate the need for a site visit and enable us to accurately determine what work is required.

The drawing needs to be as basic and concise as possible, and it doesn’t need to be to scale. (We have provided an example below). We simply have to get an understanding of where the proposed work is going to happen. Therefore, don’t feel obliged to provide detailed technical drawings or to locate the original design plans from the building’s construction. That’s our job!

We then marry this information with our databases on the local infrastructure and start to design how the work is to be carried out.

There is no black and white answer for this one. However, there are some general guidelines.

As a team, we’ve seen it all. So, in a huge number of cases, we have the experience and knowledge needed to be able to get a detailed understanding of the project without needing to occupy any of your time by being on-site.

There are some instances where we do insist on a site visit before offering you a quote. These are what we call ‘non-standard’ projects. These include:

• Any work to be carried out on a water supply, as the regulations and conditions surrounding water are complex.
• Any work on utilities that are located further than is standard distance from the main service point. We would be able to establish if this is the case after your initial phone call.
• Any work taking place 3 metres or more above ground level. Essentially anything on the first floor and above.

If your planned work sounds particularly complex, ambitious or large-scale, it may be in both of our interests to conduct a site visit to help ensure we deliver the high standard of work to which we constantly aspire.

In most cases, no separate planning permission is needed purely for utility connections on private land. However, if the works involve crossing public highways, footpaths or third-party land, additional permissions are required.

We handle all applications and permits on your behalf, including Section 50 streetworks licences, traffic management plans and road opening notices. Our experienced team liaises directly with local authorities to keep your project moving smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays.

Again, there is no fixed rule relating to this, and the answer may vary depending on what project you are undertaking.

Gas and electricity projects

Very little needs to be done before we arrive. Chances are that if you have some ongoing work, such as the development of flats or a business extension, you will have the machinery on-site that can easily dig a trench to a specified size. If the distance to cover isn’t too great, a humble spade will do the job.

Water projects

Works to a water supply on private land may require you to lay the groundwork in conjunction with your water board.

For your peace of mind, we provide a checklist in advance of our arrival on-site. This details exactly what is required from the customer before the work commences.

• Delayed payment from the customer or signed acceptance

Yes. We do this regularly. On large construction or refurbishment projects, there are usually multiple trades working simultaneously.

We liaise directly with your site manager or principal contractor to agree access points, trench routes and phasing, ensuring our work integrates seamlessly with the overall build programme. This collaborative approach minimises clashes, rework and downtime.

Our general guidelines are:

• 1 – 4 weeks to provide a quote
• 6 – 12 weeks to complete the work

As you would expect, there are variables that may affect the timescale of the work and no two jobs are the same. For example, does the work impact the flow of traffic? If so, we would need to factor in traffic management and when we are able to carry out the works (see below).

We are able to adapt to your time frames and we are flexible to accommodate your specific needs. For example, a school that would want us on-site outside of term time or hotels who would benefit from us working when their room occupancy is low.

Sometimes the work required will impact a local road. It might be that an important access point is next to or under a public thoroughfare. If your work is going to affect traffic, we have all of the resources to get traffic management applications completed. This removes the hassle for the customer of contacting the local Council and Highways Agency.

This is another example of why working with Crown Energy is such a time-saving move for you. We have been in the industry for over 30 years, which means we are able to overcome potential issues with little or no impact on your project.

Underground congestion is common, particularly in built-up areas. Before work begins, we carry out comprehensive utility searches and can arrange on-site surveys using CAT & Genny or ground-penetrating radar to locate existing services.

If something unexpected is discovered, our engineers will pause excavation, assess the situation, and agree a safe method to proceed. Safety is always our top priority, and we’ll handle any required notifications to the relevant utility owner.

Yes. If your site needs power or water before permanent supplies are installed, we can arrange a temporary builder’s supply to keep your project running.

This is particularly useful for construction sites or large refurbishments that require lighting, welfare facilities or equipment power during early stages of the build.

“Involved” doesn’t tell half the story. We are completely invested in the work and your project. We take care of literally every aspect relating to your gas, electricity and water work, meaning you can use your valuable time elsewhere.

You will have one point of contact throughout, who oversees every aspect of your work as if it were their own.

Anyone considering Crown Energy can be totally confident that our industry knowledge, contacts and experience make us an invaluable ally.

Absolutely. Alongside traditional gas, electricity and water connections, we can incorporate renewable technologies such as solar PV, EV charging infrastructure and heat pump connections into your multi-utility design.

Our team can advise on capacity requirements, DNO applications and the most efficient way to futureproof your site for sustainability targets.

On completion, you’ll receive a full handover pack including as-laid drawings, test certificates, and connection details for your records.

These documents form an essential part of your site compliance documentation and can be passed on to future contractors or tenants if required. We also remain on hand for any further disconnections, upgrades or additional connections later on.