Staying on Schedule with Your Utility Connections

Why Utility Connections are Often Delayed

Utility connections involve more than just turning up on site with the right equipment. They rely on multiple stakeholders, including developers, contractors, local authorities, and network operators, so even small issues can cause major delays.

Typical causes include:

• Late permits and notices – Local authorities require advance notice under the Traffic Management Act 2004. If these aren’t filed early, your works can’t begin.
• Unprepared sites – Excavation areas must be safe and accessible. If groundwork isn’t completed, installation teams may have to reschedule.
• Traffic management oversights – Failing to comply with road closure rules or restrictions can halt progress.
• Last-minute design changes – Resubmitting altered plans adds time to approval processes.

According to industry data, the time it takes for projects to progress from planning consent to site start has already increased in recent years. Without proper planning, utilities can add further costly delays.

How to plan ahead and stay on schedule

Good planning is the most effective way to ensure your project runs smoothly. By anticipating requirements and building in lead times, you can avoid most common causes of delay.

Steps to keep your project on track include:

• Apply early – Submit connection applications, permits, and notices as soon as possible. This gives local authorities the time they need to process requests.
• Lock in your designs – Confirm connection points, capacity, and layouts before work begins. Avoiding last-minute changes reduces the risk of hold-ups.
• Prepare the site – Ensure excavation areas are clear, safe, and accessible for contractors. Delays often occur simply because a site isn’t ready for the teams when they arrive.
• Coordinate contractors – Align timelines between different teams, such as builders, traffic management, and utility installers, so that each stage flows into the next.

With the right preparation, you can reduce risk, keep costs under control, and maintain confidence that your project will be delivered on time.

The role of the Traffic Management Act 2004

The Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA) sets out the rules for managing works on public highways. Any project involving excavation or utility installation that affects the road network must comply with this legislation.

Key requirements include:

• Forward notices – These must be served to the local authority before work can begin.
• One notice per street – If your project spans multiple streets, separate notices are required for each one.
• Liaison with authorities – Communication is vital to ensure that works are planned in a way that minimises disruption to traffic and pedestrians.

Non-compliance doesn’t just risk delays; it can also lead to fines and reputational damage. Understanding the TMA and factoring it into your project timeline is essential if you want to stay on schedule.

Working with Crown Energy to avoid delays

Managing gas, electricity, and water connections separately can be complex and time-consuming, especially when dealing with three different companies. Crown Energy simplifies the process by offering a fully managed multi-utility service, so you only ever deal with us.

We provide a fully managed service that includes:

• Direct liaison with local authorities for permits and notices
• Coordination of traffic management and TMA compliance
• Site investigations to identify risks before work begins
• Full management of excavation, installation, and reinstatement
• A dedicated Account Manager as your single point of contact, so no automation or long wait times

With over 30 years of experience and Gold Member Constructionline accreditation, you can trust us to deliver reliable, compliant connections. Our team acts as an extension of your workforce, freeing you to focus on other priorities while we handle the utilities.

We’re also proud of our reputation for efficient project delivery. Our Google reviews highlight glowing feedback from satisfied clients, with many praising our ability to complete works on schedule, and in some cases, even ahead of it. In the past 12 months alone, we’ve delivered over two thousand projects with bespoke, fully integrated solutions.