Electricity Connection Guide

How to Get a New Electricity Connection

If you’re a developer building new homes, or business premises, or somebody carrying out substantial work on a domestic property, you may need to consider getting a new electricity connection at some point. Crown Energy has helped thousands of customers get connected to the electricity supply in the UK.

This guide will assist you in understanding what goes into setting up a new electricity connection and the steps involved to get you connected.   

How much does it cost to get a new electricity connection?

The cost of a new electricity connection will vary. Every project is unique and the cost will depend on the scope of work involved. Once you’ve sent over your site plan or drawing, and we have all the required details from you to begin your new electricity connection application, our design engineers will work on the design and costing.

Within two to four weeks, we’ll send you a comprehensive quote with a scope of works. Your account manager will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Factors which may affect the price could include, but are not limited to:

• Traffic management – you may have to pay a local authority fee if a nearby road needs closing or a diversion putting in place.
• Excavation work – you have the option to dig your own land to keep costs to a minimum.

Please note, you will need to sign and accept the design and costing we have prepared and make payment in advance for the work. We will take the reins and arrange all the necessary labour, and any required permits or traffic management. Your account manager will keep you informed along the way on the dates and progress of your new electricity connection.

How long will it take to get a new electricity connection?

At Crown Energy, the average time for a standard low-voltage work to be completed following acceptance and payment from the customer is 6-12 weeks. However, there are some factors out of our control that could delay the works from being completed. These include, but are not limited to:

• Our contractors are not available in your area within the 6-12-week timescale.
• The job needs any specific form of traffic management.
• Emergencies within the customer’s area take priority.
• Reinforcements or diversions in the network to accommodate the new load.
• Delayed payment or signed acceptance from the customer.

What is the process for getting a new electricity connection?

Setting up a new electricity supply is a detailed job that must be handled professionally. Here’s how Crown Energy makes the process simple.

Once we have details of your project, including a basic site plan or drawing, our engineers can assess what’s required without the need for a site visit. We then use this information, alongside our databases on the local infrastructure, to design the works and prepare a quote.

It’s important to note that multiple services must be consulted and coordinated to ensure your supply is connected on time, which can otherwise be difficult to manage.

How Crown Energy manages the process

Your dedicated account manager will contact the relevant Network Owners and statutory bodies on your behalf, guiding you from application to completion. Our aim is to make your new electricity connection completely stress-free.

In the UK, electricity is delivered through regional Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). Each area is served by one DNO, so you can’t choose your provider. Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) also own and manage parts of the network.

We typically provide a costing for a standard low-voltage connection within 2-4 weeks.

What documents are required?

The documents you need to start the new electricity connection process will depend on the work you require. To begin a new electricity connection application with Crown Energy, we will need to see a site plan or drawing to understand the scope of work involved.

Once we have this, our design engineers will produce a plan and costing for the work required. You can get started by submitting a utility application form or requesting a call back. One of our team will be in touch to discuss your project and confirm all the details.

You will have a dedicated account manager from the very first call. They will advise you if further documentation or, in some cases, a site visit, is needed.

Accept the quote and make payment for the work to begin

Once you’re happy with the plan and costing we provide, the next step is to approve the quote and make the payment for work to begin. After receiving your payment in full, we will arrange for your new electricity connection to be installed. As per the design, any infrastructure and power service cabling that enables the premises to receive its electricity supply is included.

We’ll arrange suitable dates and times to carry out the work. Our trusted network of nationwide service providers are usually available from 8am until 6pm from Monday to Friday. It’s possible to secure workers over the weekend and/or bank holidays, however, that will usually come with additional charges. Your utility account manager will be happy to discuss, and advise on, any special arrangements with you.

Qualified representatives will be required on-site to ensure the work is carried out correctly and safely. If any unforeseen changes come up at any time, we will keep you informed.

New electricity meter installation

Crown Energy can arrange for your new electricity meter to be installed once your connection is in place. We can even provide you with an end-to-end service, in which we can facilitate a new electricity connection if one is required, before arranging the installation of your electricity meter.

The type of meter you’ll need depends on your property and how you use electricity.

• Single-rate meters – measure usage at one flat rate, suitable for most homes and small businesses.
• Dual-rate meters (Economy 7/10) – record day and night usage separately, ideal if you use more power overnight.
• Half-hourly meters – mainly for larger commercial sites with higher demand, providing detailed usage data every 30 minutes.
• Smart meters – send readings automatically and show real-time usage, helping you monitor and manage energy costs.

Our team will advise you on the most suitable option and take care of the full installation process as part of your connection.

Moving an existing electricity meter

Yes, your electricity meter can be moved, however this depends on the distance and location. In some cases, such as if the meter is difficult to access and you are unable to read your meter, we will be able to arrange to move it to your new location. We will also arrange to move your meter for reasons such as building work or renovations.

Electricity suppliers generally have restrictions as to where you can move your meter within your property. This varies from one supplier to the next. If you would like to move your electricity meter to a different location within your property, we will require the following information from you:

• Address of property of work required
• Full name and telephone number
• How far you wish to move the electricity meter

How can Crown Energy help with your new electricity connection?

Crown Energy takes the stress out of getting your home or business connected to an electricity supply.

From planning to design and specialist project management, our team is equipped to help with large jobs, multi-plot requirements, business parks, housing developments, and everything in between.

With almost three decades in the industry, we have helped thousands of customers. Our reduced timescales and competitive prices mean that your new electricity connection is completed quickly and professionally.