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How to get a new connection

Getting connected to the local electricity network is much easier than you think.  This short video takes you through the 5 step process for getting a new domestic connection.

At Electricity North West safety is our number 1 priority

You or a third party (builder or groundsworker) can be responsible for:  Excavation work and reinstatement to the required specification.  Excavation safety including barraciades and warning signs,  video link to completing your own excavtion works

To work safely when digging you will need access to our cable plans, we recommend using BeforeUDig. There you have 24/7 access to our up to date asset records that will be sent to you by email, it’s also free to domestic customers. The map used on our online tool isn’t always the most up to date source of information and we ask that it not be used for this purpose.

We want you and your contractor to stay safe when working near our overhead lines and cables. To obtain the latest copies of our cable records please contact us on the link below.

Your on site responsibilities typically include:

1. Ensuring the premises are lock-fast and weather-tight
2. Appointing and energy supplier to fit your meter following the instllation of the supply
3. Installing a suitable duct into the premises
4. Installing a suitable duct at the correct depth within excavated trench
5. Ensuring the proposed cable route is clear of scaffolding or other obstructions
6. Carrying out any agreed excavation / reinstatment works
7. Providing and installing interconnecting cables between the supply point and the main switch    

Click here for guidelines on underground cables, you can download a free copy near the top of the page    

There are some important points to bear in mind when planning for your connection that can affect timescales and the cost of the project

New roads & street works act

Any excavation works required in the public highway must be carried out by us. When undertaking this work we have a legal obligation to notify the local authorities and any other utility companies before we begin. There are legal minimum notice periods we must adhere to so it's important to build these timescales into your project plan. There may be occasions we need to close a road to safely carry out work.

Road closures carry a 14-16 week timescale and come at an additional charge of up to £3500. We will always look to identify if a road closure is required, when planning your connection to allow preparation time and build the cost into the overall quotation. Please be aware that we will not notify the local authority or other utilities until you have accepted and paid your quotation.

Most common delays
Detailed below are the most common problems experienced on site which delay on site progress of new connections.
• Black duct
• Incorrectly installed duct
• Incorrect installation of meter box
• Shallow Duct
• No postal address
• Incomplete acceptance – no VAT declaration

Land rights and consents

Getting agreements to access and install cable into 3rd party land can cause delays and affect your quotation cost. Where possible we would always look to design your connection so it is within the boundary of your own land. If we do need the consent of your neighbour or a 3rd party, works cannot begin on site without their consent this is normally granted by way of obtaining a wayleave, the cost for legal consents are between £700-£1,200. We will of course make every effort to obtain consents as quickly as possible, however we are reliant on the cooperation of the 3rd parties, please consider this when planning your project. Please note that we will not apply for consents until your acceptance and payment have been received. The price of your quotation is subject to these being agreed and should they be refused a new design and quotation will be required.

All of the materials can be bought from Jewsons or Travis Perkins, for more information please look for "Getting site ready" within this link

If you choose to arrange the installation yourself, please ensure this is to the required industry standards and in accordance with ENWL guidelines.

Please note that failure to adhere to these requirements could result in your work being delayed.

1. Electricity North West receives a completed online application and site plans with all the required information
2. Our Customer Liaison Team registers your project and sends the details to the relevant planner to validate the online design and quotation, simple quotes are checked and validated within 5, 10 or 15 working days. More complicated quotes will be issued as soon as possible within a maximum of 3 months.
3. Your design planner will advise you as soon as possible if your design can not be validated and is subject to a re-quotation.  
   You accept your quotation by logging back into your online account to accept and pay you will also need to return the:
   • Quote Acceptance Form
   • VAT Declaration (if relevant)
   • Site contact details
   • Copy of your postal address
   •Payment
4. Upon receipt of your acceptance we apply for any wayleaves required and order any plant necessary. We will contact you to discuss when your site will be ready for a pre site inspection
5. Once you have completed your on-site works and the pre-site visit has confirmed your site is ready in line with your specification our scheduling team will be in touch to agree a suitable date for the energisation of your connection
6. Using the MPAN we have provided you arrange your metering with your nominated supplier