Diversions
If you need to relocate or redirect an electricity substation, power cables, or other electrical equipment on your property that belongs to us while working on a project, we're here to assist you.
Timescales
Once you apply, it will take us between 20 and 35 working days to provide a design solution. For more complex schemes, we may need more time to complete the design. Works can start within three months of acceptance. However, this depends on the voltage levels affected, any land consents needed and any local authority restrictions imposed. Please allow sufficient time for us to design a solution for diverting our equipment. Plan ahead and contact us before you start on site to avoid delays to your project. We will always keep you informed of the progress of your enquiry and of any changes to timescales. We work with our customers to avoid the need for diversion, where possible. We must consider the safety of you and your contractors and also consider the future maintenance and connection requirements of our network.
Why that long?
We can arrange for the works to be started within three months of acceptance, but not always. This time period allows us to arrange the appropriate materials and labour resources, and comply with restrictions for working in public highways.
Depending on the type of equipment, it can take many months to arrange for the work to be carried out. For example, certain 33kV & 132kV cables require up to 12 months notice in order that specialist materials can be ordered and a suitable outage date can be arranged.
Next steps
Please see the checklist below to ensure you have all you need to apply:
- Your contact details
- Your scheme proposals (In CAD format, if possible)
- Details of any third party land agreements
- Outline full programme of works (and dates)
- Preferred diversion completion date.
We’ll check your application and contact you to discuss. We’ll send you a cost estimate that is valid for 180 days. If you wish to progress, complete the acceptance form (sent with your estimate) and arrange payment.
Find out more about diversions
Contact us
Please email our diversions team for any queries relating to diversions.
Local authority & major transport works
Find out if you're eligible for cost sharing agreements.
View network records
Check our network records before you start.
Diversion case studies
Manchester Airport 33kV diversion
We are diverting two 33kV underground cables to facilitate the construction of a 7,500 space car park at Manchester Airport.
Joint utility work at UCLan
We worked closely with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to divert underground cables and carry out joint utility trenching at the Adelphi roundabout in Preston.