Getting Connected Utilities Guide For Developers

Getting Connected
Utilities Connections:
A Guide for Developers
July 2011
Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected
CONTENTS
Section A
Appendices
Introduction and Scope

Introduction
Purpose and scope of this guide

Section B
Issues and Problems
Recent performance surveys
Common complaints
Challenges faced by utility companies

Section C
The Regulatory Framework

Section D
Getting a Connection
Electricity and Gas

(A) Connection sourced from a host distributor

(B) Using an Independent Distribution Company

(C) Using an Independent Connections Provider

(ICP)/Utility Infrastructure Provider (UIP)
Water

Using a host
Self lay
Inset licensees

01 Competition: Contestable and Non-contestable work

Water
Contestable work
Non-contestable work

Electricity
Contestable work

Gas

02 OFGEM Connections Industry Review (CIR) 2008/2009

published 29 January 2010 and

OFGEM Connections Industry Review (CIR) 2009/2010

published 25 February 2011

03 The Electricity (Connections Standards of Performance)

Regulations 2010

04 The Gas (Standards of Performance) Regulations 2005

Connections Guaranteed Standards
Payments

05 Distribution Network Operator (DNO) Non-contestable

Quotation Performance Standards

Table of Services and Standards

06 Water Companies Service and Delivery Report and

SLO Standards

07 Gas Distribution Network (GDN) and Independent Gas

Transporter (IGT) Contacts

08 Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and Independent

Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) Contacts

Using a Distribution Network Operator (DNO)

Using an Independent Distribution Network

Operator (IDNO)

09 Water Company Contacts

10 Other Useful Websites

11 Application Forms

Incumbent Distribution Networks Operators

Gas Distribution Networks

12 Glossary of Terms
Section E
Key Issues for Developers

Good communication
Good planning

Finding out what infrastructure already exists

Carrying out a feasibility study

Allowing for complexity in large schemes

Estimating loads
The connection offer
Getting quotations
Legal agreements
Costs

Section F
Performance Standards and Disputes
Performance standards
Disputes
Electricity
Gas
Water

Section G
Competition
What areas are subject to competition: Contestable and noncontestable work
Design specification for contestable work
Assessment of independent service providers
One stop connection options

Section H
Decentralised Energy and District Heating Systems

Section A
Introduction
AND Scope
Introduction
Organising utility connections
is often cited as the single
most common cause of delay
in construction projects. Whilst
construction times have been
growing shorter because of improved
technology and greater efficiency,
the connections industry has failed
to keep pace. Delays are not just a
problem for property developers.
They have wider economic impacts
such as delaying the speed at which
new retail businesses can open their
doors or slowing the supply of new
homes to the market. Whilst the
main concern revolves around delays
in getting connected, the cost and
complexity of the connection process
are contributory issues.
The degree of complexity involved in
getting a connection varies greatly
according to the size and nature
of the development. Smaller scale
projects involving a connection to a
single property may simply involve
connecting a property to the existing
network. However, larger schemes,
often involving multiple connections,
may require extensive reinforcement
of the network including the design,
planning and construction of physical
infrastructure such as pipelines,
cables and switchgear, as well as the
preparation of more complex legal
agreements for the construction,
connection and adoption elements.
In recent years the regulatory
bodies the Office of Gas and
Electricity Markets (OFGEM) and
the Water Services Regulatory
Authority (OFWAT) have tried to
improve the situation by promoting
greater competition within the sector
and setting tougher performance
standards. OFGEM conducts an
annual Connections Industry Review
(CIR) which regularly shows how
slowly competition has developed
in the electricity market when
compared with gas.
As a result, connection performance

standards have been introduced
underpinned by a Statutory
Instrument and additional licence
conditions. In some well publicised
cases, fines1 have been imposed on
utility companies which have failed
to meet the requisite standards,
such as the statutory timescales
for providing offers to customers
requesting a connection. Despite
all this, however, industry surveys
continue to show a high level of
dissatisfaction with many utility
companies whilst regulators continue
to receive a significant number of
complaints from large customers
and independent connection
providers about long delays in getting
connections and the poor quality
of service delivered by incumbent
distribution companies. The
electricity distribution companies
must submit themselves to a
competition test by December 2013
or face a competition commission
referral and investigation.
We hope that this guide will give

developers and others involved the
information they need to enable them
to participate in the process with
greater confidence.
Purpose and scope

of this guide
Improving the current situation
will require further changes in the
competition regime, the adoption
of more efficient working practices
by utility companies and tougher
penalties for poor performance. None
the less, developers and contractors
can do more to help themselves.
Whether they choose to undertake
the task directly or devolve it to a
specialist company, they require
an understanding of the framework
governing utility connections and
the pitfalls to avoid. Accordingly, this
guide is intended to:
explain the current system for
obtaining new connections
to gas, electricity and water
services. It does not deal with
telecommunications connections;
describe the role of the major
players involved in the process; and
set out the problems most
commonly experienced and ways
in which developers can seek to
mitigate them.
The most recent OFGEM fine of three electricity distribution companies totalled 1m in February 2011 for failing to provide a quotation within three months.
Section B
Issues AND
Problems
Recent
performance surveys
The National Federation of Builders
(NFB) carries out a regular survey
which looks at the levels of service
that contractors experience
when seeking new connections
from electricity, gas or water
companies. Its most recent survey
in 2008 indicated that the level of
dissatisfaction had changed little
since its previous survey in 2006. The
headline figures were that:
87.9% of sites had experienced
problems with utility companies.
65% of respondents had problems
caused by poor communication.
54% of sites had experienced
problems caused by delays in
issuing quotations.
Only 48.9% of companies
were aware of competition in
connections.
65.7% of responses reported
problems when requesting a
connection to the electricity
network.
Gas and water customers fared
slightly better with 50.9% and
48.6% respectively reporting
problems.
A Home Builders Federation (HBF)
survey of its members in 2006 also
revealed poor levels of service to
house builders, variable policies for
dealing with customers and an overall
lack of accountability within both the
water and electricity sectors.
Common complaints
The most common complaints appear
to be:
Poor communication: This is the
most commonly cited reason for
poor service. Requests to rectify
delays and deal with other issues
are often not answered promptly
by connection providers and it can
often be difficult to find out who is
the right person to deal with in the
first place.
Lack of competition: Competition

in the provision of new
connections is seen as inadequate
and clients are often unaware of
the full range of options open to
them when placing an order or
making an enquiry.
Cost transparency: Clients often
do not know exactly what they
are paying for. Developers may
have to pay months in advance
for a service.
Voluntary Standards: Energy
regulators have defined a set of
voluntary performance standards
against which the utilities can be
measured, but these are widely
seen as inadequate. OFGEM
has introduced guaranteed
performance standards supported
by a Statutory Instrument for
electrical connections that
came into effect on 1 October
2010 because the voluntary
arrangements were not working.
Standards in the water industry
are monitored annually by OFWAT.
Water companies are required
to meet standards outlined in
the self-lay guidance document
published by each company
for service levels to self-lay
organisations. These standards
do not apply, however, when the
water companies undertake the
work directly themselves.
Quotations: The time taken to
issue quotations is unacceptable.
Average turnaround times of
12 weeks contrast with OFGEMs
voluntary time limits for noncontestable work that state
a formal quotation should be
issued within 15 days for simple
schemes and within 20 days for
more complex work. But these
represent a small proportion of
the total number of enquiries
that distribution network
operators deal with. There is
also concern that quotations
remain valid for an unreasonably
short period of time, commonly
one month, but DNO have now
accepted a 90 day validity.
The time taken to agree a supply:
Another common cause of delay.
Non-adherence to an agreed
programme: Contractors used
by utilities may not turn up to
complete the work on the agreed
date, may fail to carry out the work

that has been agreed, or may arrive
without knowing what is expected
of them. These shortcomings
sometimes stem from the
separation of design/planning
departments from delivery
departments which can result
in the specific requirements of
particular sites being overlooked.
Outdated procedures: Many
connection providers use outdated
manual procedures for design,
sizing, costing and build rather
than embrace new technology.
Few companies have so far
adopted a GIS-driven (Geographic
Information System) approach to
design and build that allows more
accurate designs more quickly
and can inform other processes
such as sizing, costing and overall
customer service.
Challenges faced by
utility companies
Whilst the above complaints paint
a rather negative picture of the
connection services offered by many
connection providers, it is important
to recognise that the blame for delays
and other shortcomings does not
fall solely on connection providers.
Those seeking a connection could
often do much more to expedite the
process by, for instance, ensuring
that sites are accessible when visits
are arranged. More importantly,
they could take advantage of the
competitive framework that has
been created rather than relying on
the incumbent connection providers
to deliver a one size fits all service.
Industry regulators look for less
regulation where competition
can be introduced that leads to
improvements in quality and cost
of service.
Moreover, connection providers
do not operate with impunity but
are subject to regulatory regimes
which can impose penalties
for poor performance. The nondiscriminatory clauses within their
licence conditions may sometimes
mean that their processes fail to
fit into the commercial reality of
todays world and this situation is not
helped by the regulators detachment
from those commercial pressures.
OFGEM, in particular, has no mandate
to undertake any investigation
based on anecdotal evidence. Even
independent surveys, such as that
quoted above, are not grounds to
open an industry investigation.
OFGEMs annual Connections
Industry Review (CIR) evaluates
data provided by the companies
to the regulator but is rarely
independently audited. It fails to pick
up regular sources of complaint, the
most common being around poor
communication. And even when
a formal complaint is made, the
companies usually manage to place
enough blame on the customers
shortcomings to avoid any culpability.
Until recently, utility companies were

not allowed to make a profit from
supplying new connections and could
only look to recover the legitimate
costs of the service they provided.
However, electricity companies are
now allowed to charge a 4% regulated
margin on contestable activities and
are obliged to show (see definition
in Section D) this together with an
appropriate breakdown of costs in
their quotations.
Subject to passing a competition
test, the margin will become
unregulated. One DNO has given
notice of intent to submit for a
competition test.
Most utility companies publish useful
guides to getting a connection which
include information for customers
on the competition options. Whilst
these may not fully spell out all of
the options that a client may have
(particularly in regard to competition),
they often contain valuable
information such as flow charts
showing the various steps in the
construction process and checklists
of common missing information in
connection applications. These can
generally be found on the companies
web sites.
Electricity distributors must now
undergo a competition test before
December 2013 or face a competition
commission enquiry. Most are
expected to submit themselves for the
test earlier. OFGEM is developing the
criteria against which to carry out the
assessment which will cover the areas
of market share, price, service quality
and barriers to entry. The reward for
meeting the criteria is the ability to
charge an unregulated margin.
to retain market share. The gas

connection market share is split
49% (GDN) to 51% (IGT) with two
IGT delivering 80,000 connections
representing 40% of the market share.
By comparison electricity DNOs*
provide 94% of electricity connections.
*
See definition in Section D
The big challenge faced by electricity
distribution companies is how they
adapt to a position in which they
will continue to lose market share
and see the revenue they receive
from connections work steadily
eroded. One purpose of allowing a
regulated margin, and subsequently
an unregulated margin, is to provide
an incentive to both the DNO and
Independent Connections Provider
(ICP). The theory, on the basis that
DNOs had not been allowed a margin
on connection work, is that for
carrying less cost (because the ICP
undertakes the work), the DNO can
return a profit on the work retained.
The framework now exists for the
DNO contestable price to be tested in
the market.
The water industry, by comparison,
does not have competition in supply
thus restricting customer choice. The
networks and supply business remain
one and the same organisation
and are regulated tightly, and in
comparison with each other, rather
than by market forces. The challenge
on water companies is how to meet
the OFWAT regulatory targets without
too much concern over eroding
market share and hence profits.
Whilst competition has taken off in

the gas connections market it has
made little headway in the electricity
connections market. Gas Distribution
Networks (GDN)* formally under
ownership of British Gas have been
restructured and sold off and the
level of competition has grown. GDN
and Independent Gas Transporters
(IGT)* are under commercial pressure
Section C
The
Regulatory
Framework
The Office of Gas and Electricity
Markets (OFGEM), working for the
Gas and Electricity Markets Authority
(GEMA), is the government regulator
for the electricity and downstream
natural gas markets in Great Britain.
The Water Services Regulation
Authority (OFWAT) is the body
responsible for economic regulation
of the privatised water and sewerage
sectors in England and Wales.
Within the area of new connections,
regulators set out standards that
connection providers are expected to
meet. They also seek to ensure that
incumbent distribution companies
cannot gain an unfair advantage over
their competitors in those aspects
of the connection process which are
open to competition.
As noted earlier, competition in
the gas connection market has
developed such that GDN and IGT
have a near 50% market share each.
Most gas companies have a clearly
laid out application process that can
be accessed through their web sites.
Appendix 7 provides a link to the GDN
and IGT web sites.
Competition in electricity
connections has been slow to
develop. OFGEM introduced
performance standards regulations
in 2005 that were similar to those in
the gas market but has since found it
necessary to introduce a specific set
of performance standards relating to
connection work. It did this through
the Distribution Price Control Review
period 5 (DPCR5) that came into
effect in April 2010. Prior to that,
OFGEM had introduced standards of
performance for the provision of noncontestable works. No guaranteed
standards (payments made for
specific standards) were introduced,
but rather an overall standard (where
penalties are applied for failing to
meet an overall performance target),
were set in order to incentivise DNOs
to provide quotations and to energise
within defined timescales. These new
standards were underpinned with

modifications to the DNOs standard
licence conditions in March 2010.
The Connections Industry Review
(CIR) data reports low volumes
of connections undertaken by
competitive route. Consequently the
introduction of a regulatory margin
and standards of performance for full
quotations issued by the DNO aims to
stimulate competition.
In recent years several schemes
have started to come forward that
incorporate district heating and
combined heat and power (CHP). At
present, there is no regulatory regime
governing connections to and the
performance of these networks.
However, Government has proposed
a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to
support its legal obligations to reduce
carbon emissions. This will work
as part of a package of measures
that includes Feed-in-Tariffs, the
Renewables Obligation and the
Climate Change Levy (CCL) that
could result in a regulatory regime
being established under the energy
regulator and is an extension of
OFGEMs remit. OFGEM introduced a
supply licensing regime in February
2009 that allows operators of CHP
stations to operate under a less
onerous licence arrangement enabling
them to sell CHP power to users
rather than to the wholesale market.
This arrangement ensures customers
maintain access to the competitive
market but allows CHP operators to
charge closer to retail than wholesale
price. With these initiatives it is likely
that district heating networks will
become self regulating or will be
captured under new open access
arrangements that Department
of Energy and Climate Change
(DECC) will introduce for electricity
distribution as a result of a European
Court ruling in May 2008.
Section D
Getting a
Connection
Electricity and gas
A developer wanting a gas or
electricity connection has a number
of options:
(A) Connection sourced from

a host distributor
First, a developer can ask the local
gas or electricity distribution network
operator (commonly referred to as
a host or incumbent) which is
licensed to distribute electricity/
gas through cables/pipe work, to
quote for and install the assets
needed to connect the premises
to their distribution network. Such
connection providers are known as:
Gas Distribution Network
Operators (GDNs) or Gas
Transporters (GTs) for gas.
Distribution Network Operators
(DNOs) for electricity.
The GDN/DNO will be responsible for
installing the connection, although
they may choose to sub-contract
some of the construction work. In
the case of a single premise, the
connection assets may be just the
service pipe/wire from the existing
network to the premise in question.
However for larger new connections,
such as a new housing estate,
extensive reinforcement may be
required, including more extensive
shared pipes/wires serving many
new premises. The GDN/DNO will
charge the customer an up front
connection charge as a contribution
towards the capital cost of installing
the connection assets. The basis of
that charge should be set out in its
Licence Condition Charging statement
which all GDNs and DNOs should
make available on their websites.
This charging statement should
also outline the incumbents policy
on reinforcement charges and the
criteria for possible reimbursements
to the customer (e.g. where extra
capacity is provided that can meet
the needs of other customers).
10
Once the assets are installed the

incumbent will then operate them
in return for annual distribution
charges, the levels of which are set
by regulation.
Key steps to follow in getting
connected to a GDN/DNO are:
You should notify the GDN/
DNO within a reasonable time
of the details of the premises
to be connected, the time the
connection is required and the
maximum capacity needed from
the connection.
A GDN/DNO should give you a
quotation for connection to its
distribution system, but will not fit
a meter until instructed to do so
by your chosen electricity supplier.
When providing a quotation it is
common practice for the GDN/
DNO to advise the customer that
it needs to nominate a supplier
before the connection can be
made and preferably before
accepting the quotation. This is
not a mandatory requirement for
accepting a connection offer but it
is advisable that you appoint and
sign a contract with a supplier at
least 28 days before the date you
want the electricity or gas to flow.
When accepting a connection
offer from the GDN/DNO you
(or subsequently your supplier)
will be obliged to enter into
a connection agreement. A
connection agreement outlines
the rights and obligations
associated with the connection.
On connecting your premises to the
electricity distribution network, the
GDN/DNO is obliged to maintain
that connection for as long as it is
required, and to repair and replace
any electrical lines/gas pipes or
plant when necessary unless you
or your agent are responsible for
any damage to its equipment.
Appendix 11 directs you to the GDN/
DNO application forms.
(B) Using an Independent

Distribution Company
Alternatively, the developer may
choose to approach an Independent
Distribution Company for a
connection.
For gas these are more commonly

known as Independent Gas
Transporters (IGTs) or Utility
Infrastructure Providers (UIPs);
and
For electricity, they are known as
Independent Distribution Network
Operators (IDNOs).
These tend to specialise in the
construction of new housing estate
networks and larger non-domestic
one-off connections.
There are four companies that
presently operate both as a IGT/IDNO
and will offer multi-utility services
to residential housing developments
and one company which specialises
in large single point commercial
electrical loads such as office blocks,
data centres and retail.
The independent network often
covers the last few hundred metres
of infrastructure from a point of
connection with the DNO, and is
embedded or 'inset' in the local
incumbent distributors network area.
The work is carried out in accordance
with the same industry standards and
procedures used by the GDN/DNO. The
IDNO may have less onerous adoption
standards. Non-licensed persons
are not allowed to operate their own
networks. DECC intends to introduce
amendments to the Electricity
Class Exemption Order following
its December 2010 consultation.2
Connections to independent networks
are more common in gas than in
electricity. The physical connection
works (installation of assets) required
to connect independent networks are
typically undertaken by the IGT/IDNO
itself or by a connections provider that
may be affiliated to the respective IGT/
IDNO. The operation of the assets is
then undertaken by the independent
distribution licensee itself.
The IGT/IDNO will charge the
developer an up front connection
charge as a capital contribution
towards the cost of installing the
assets, and once the connection
is live, will recover ongoing
transportation Distribution Use of
System (DUoS) charges from the
suppliers to the property. IGT/IDNO
http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/Consultations/eu-third-package/1163-eu-third-package-gov-response.pdf
are no longer allowed to subsidise

connection charges through the
distribution use of system charges
if the connection is provided for the
sole use of the applicant. The IGT/
IDNO DUoS charges are regulated
under the respective gas/electricity
Relative Price Control regimes, so
that the total annual distribution
charges paid by the IDNO/IGT
connected customer are no more
than those paid by customers
connected directly to the incumbents
network. Specifically, with the
exception of some legacy gas
networks, the function of the Relative
Price Control is to ensure that energy
customers are not disadvantaged if
a developer customer chooses the
independent route.
To be clear, energy customers
retain the same choice of energy
supply services, but the developer
(customer) benefits from lower
up front connection charges and
improved quality of service.
(C) Using an Independent

Connections Provider (ICP)/Utility
Infrastructure Provider (UIP)
For certain categories of work known
as contestable works it is possible to
employ an Independent Connections
Provider (ICP) competent to carry out
connections work. The areas of work
a suitably approved independent
contractor can undertake are
detailed in the connection charge
methodology statement published
by the Licensee. There are works
that only the DNO can undertake
and these are referred to as noncontestable. Both contestable and
non-contestable work is discussed in
more detail in Appendix 1.
The industry continues to work to
broaden the scope of contestable
work. For example, the DNOs are
starting to allow final connections to
be carried out on their networks by
suitably accredited ICPs.
The ICP may be an affiliate of the

incumbent distributor or of an
independent distributor, or may be
a wholly independent third party.
ICPs carry accreditation under
schemes managed by Lloyds Register
to undertake connection works on
water, gas and electricity networks.
A customer may directly approach an
ICP to install the connection to either
an incumbent GDN/DNO network
or an IGT/IDNO network, and would
typically do so where the ICP charges
a lower connection charge, or offers
a better quality of service such as
a faster connection. However, ICPs
do not have distribution licences,
so will not be licensed to operate
the connection once it is installed.
Therefore the ICPs must transfer
ownership of the connection assets
to a licensed distributor a process
which is referred to as adoption
of the asset. In some instances an
independent distributor may make a
payment to the ICP/customer at the
time of the transfer of the assets,
and where a payment is made, this
is known as an 'adoption payment'.
The ICPs remuneration may be
made up from a combination of
direct connection charges paid by
customers and adoption fees paid by
licensed distribution operators.
The registration schemes, operated
by Lloyds Register, have been
set up for companies engaged in
independent connections work. A list
of such companies able to carry out
this type of work is available on the
Lloyds register website:
Click on this link for a list of
Electricity Accredited Contractors or
visit www.lloydsregister.co.uk
Click on this link for a list of Gas
Accredited Contractors or visit
www.lloydsregister.co.uk
Where an independent contractor

undertakes work it must be carried
out in accordance with the standards
and procedures laid down by the
distribution company that will
ultimately adopt and maintain the
connection who may be either the
incumbent DNO or an IDNO.
11
12
Water
Water differs from the gas and
electricity markets in that there
remains only a single supplier of
water to which a customer has
access. Competition in water allows
an inset licence to be established
and water extracted from new
untapped sources on the site or
under an agreement between the
inset operator and the incumbent
host water company. End user
customers have to buy water from the
inset company who may offer more
competitive prices underpinned by
the commercial arrangement it puts
in place. The inset company will take
on responsibility for waste, potable
and surface water discharge.
Competition in water for developers
allows self-lay of water pipes for
adoption by the incumbent or
inset operator.
Unlike gas and electricity there
are no guaranteed standards of
performance relating to the provision
of quotations and provision of
connection services. However, water
companies are required to make
annual reporting returns that cover a
wide range of the services they offer.
Each water companys report can be
found at this link:
OFWAT: Water Companies annual
report June 2010 or visit www.ofwat.
gov.uk/regulating
Owners and occupiers of premises
that require a new water main or
sewer may ask the water or sewerage
company to install the new pipework
that forms the network extension.
This is known as requisitioning.
Alternatively, they may choose their
own contractor to do the work, which
is known as self-lay. Either way, the
water company will adopt the asset
that has been installed to an agreed
design that meets the terms of its
agreement with the developer or selflay organisation (SLO) that carries out
the work.
The introduction of the Water Act
2003, as the enabling legislation
for self-lay, was not aimed at
improving the water companies' own
performance in delivering water and
waste water services.
The industry took the view that

the laying of water pipes was not
dissimilar to laying gas and that the
same competent contractors would,
and could, do both. The performance
standards that materialised from the
legislation were captured in the selflay guidance (see Appendix 6) and
were directed at water companies
delivering standards of performance
for self-lay contractors appointed
by developers.
Using a host
When a new supply is needed, a
developer can request the local water
company to connect its development
to an existing main, either by direct
connection of the service pipe, or
after installation of the network
extension. Where a new water main
is required, developers must ask the
water company to design and lay the
new water main on the development.
Using the design provided by the
water company, the developer can
lay the supply pipe from the property
to the street boundary, leaving it
uncovered ready for an external water
regulations inspection. The charges
associated with this service are sitespecific and will be calculated for
each development.
Sewerage is usually installed by the
developer under sewers for adoption
arrangements that are well accepted
in the industry. A revised edition (7)
was published in 2011 to take into
account legislative changes made
in 2003 that come into force later
this year, and further changes to the
Water Industry Act made through the
Flood and Water Management Act
2010, (including mandatory adoption
of all new sewers and lateral drains).
Developers will be required to
enter into a Section 104 adoption
agreement covering all new sewers
and laterals that will connect to the
public sewer system.
A developer can choose to have
different companies adopt the waste
water and the potable water networks.
Self-lay
The process whereby developers,
or their contractors, can install
new water mains and service pipes
instead of asking the water company
to do the work is known as self-lay.
SLOs include developers which can

lay their own mains and service
pipes, contractors laying mains for
the developers, and multi-utility
infrastructure providers.
The water company will take over
responsibility for (adopt) self-laid
pipes that meet the terms of its
agreement with the developer or
SLO which will carry out the work.
All water companies should have a
self-lay policy. The Water Industry Act
1991 (WIA91) 2 sets out a statutory
framework for the self-lay of water
mains. This document sets out the
principles that should underlie water
companies own procedures on selflay and applies to self-laid water
mains and service pipes for domestic
purposes. The legislation requires all
companies to publish a self-lay policy.
Below is a link to the current self-lay
guidance:
Water Industry Self-Lay Guidance for
Developers or visit www.ofwat.gov.
uk/consumerissues/selflay
Below is a link to each water
company self-lay policy:
Water Companies and their Self-Lay
Policies or visit www.ofwat.gov.uk/
consumerissues/selflay
When a developer asks a water
company to supply water for nondomestic purposes, the company is
entitled to recover its expenses and,
where appropriate, a reasonable
return on its capital. The water
company does not have to make an
allowance for the future revenue
that will be received from customers
connected to that main. So, when
a developer lays a main for solely
non-domestic purposes, the water
company does not need to make an
asset payment.
Frequently, a developer may require
a supply for both domestic and nondomestic purposes. If the developer
lays a main for both purposes, the
water company should make an
asset payment in respect of the
proportion of the supply that is for
domestic purposes.
13
The key stages of the process are:

Contact: Developer/Self-lay
organisation (SLO) should make
contact with the water company to
confirm the feasibility of supplying
the proposed development and
provide information necessary
for the water company to do a
technical evaluation. The water
company should then confirm its
ability to supply, specify the point
of connection and confirm the
period for which the information
supplied remains valid.
Application: Developer or SLO
should make a full application
by submitting all the required
information, together with a
completed application form.
Desigin stage: Developer or SLO
should either submit the design
of the water network to the water
company for vetting or request
that the water company carries
out the design. The water company
sends details of estimated
asset payment, non-contestable
charges, security and legal
agreement to developer or SLO.
Self-lay notification: Following prestart meeting, return of signed legal
agreement and payment of relevant
charges, developer or SLO submits
notification to start to lay mains.
Main-laying installation: SLO
constructs new water mains,
notifying water company of any
changes and of the intended
testing and disinfection dates.
Water company audits and
inspects construction, and may
witness testing of the new main.
Main-laying completion: SLO
completes main-laying to required
specification and rectifies any
defects identified during the
inspection and audit. SLO provides
water company with as laid
drawings and test certificates.
Water company arranges main
connection, issues vesting
certificate and makes asset
payment to developer or SLO.
Maintenance period starts from
date of commissioning.
Service connection notification:
Developer or SLO submits
notification to lay services in
accordance with water companys
self-lay arrangements.
14
The notification is only issued after

the developer or SLO confirms
that private pipework has been
checked or self-certified as
meeting the Water Supply (Water
Fittings) Regulations.
Service connection installation:
SLO makes service connections in
accordance with previously issued
notification, and either fits meters
or requests water company to
fit meters. SLO then provides
full details of each connection,
including postal address, and
meter details (if fitted) to the
water company.
Protection of installed apparatus:
Developer/SLO makes sure
that installed apparatus is
protected against damage until
the development is completed
and roads or footpaths are fully
constructed.
Click on this link for a list of
Water Accredited Contractors or visit
Inset Licensees
For larger sites, particularly ones
where there are no existing suppliers,
it is possible to utilise an inset
network. This is where a company
other than the incumbent host
obtains a licence from OFWAT to
provide water services to the site.
Only 31 inset schemes since 1997
have been approved by OFWAT so
developers need to explore the
benefits of appointing an inset
operator to compliment the other
utility activities, rather than use as
the main driver. One primary hurdle to
overcome requires any development
plot to be designated as unserved.
This means that there is no claim on
the site by the existing incumbent to
provide any water related services.
This is a complicated process that
will be managed by the proposed
inset licensee. Generally speaking a
developer is only likely to consider
this as part of a much larger
multi-utility package as there are
only two companies actively seeking
inset appointments and providing
electricity and gas as well.
Section E
Key Issues for
Developers
We have been told that these are
the key issues for developers when
procuring utility connection services.
Neither the headings nor the content
within are intended to be exhaustive
and there will be other examples that
could be included.
Whether the connection is
procured from the incumbent or an
independent, these issues have to be
managed effectively to avoid impact
on programme and costs. It should
be noted that an independent is more
likely to be commercially minded
and this could become a factor in
managing any late changes that
may occur.
Good communication
Poor communication, particularly by

utility companies, is usually cited
as the most important cause of
frustration. Better communication
can be helped by:
Ensuring that the project is on the
radar of the utility company at the
earliest possible opportunity.
Making every effort to establish
and foster a close working
relationship with the utility
company.
Seeking to establish a single
point of contact within the utility
company something which can
be surprisingly difficult to achieve.
Ensuring that effective
communication is a two-way
process.
The developer/applicant may also
be at fault. Common failings among
developers and contractors include:
Failure to complete application
forms correctly.
Unavailability of site personnel
when site visits take place.
Utility companies, for instance,
frequently complain about the
number of wasted visits that they
make due to scaffolding or other
problems on site not being dealt
with before arrival.
One company has estimated that

65% of the visits they make to
sites are abortive for such reasons.
Late design changes by the
developer.
Failure to take account of
obstacles to cable and pipe routes
such as road or rail routes including
failure to obtain necessary
consents from third parties.
Failure to identify potential
locations for e.g. substations.
By paying attention to these issues
developers can avoid considerable
additional cost and delay.
Good planning
Finding out what infrastructure
already exists
As soon as feasible, the developer
should discuss its proposals with
the host. At a relatively early stage
(typically RIBA Stage C) the site
developer should consult the local
host to find out what infrastructure
is on, or adjacent to, the development
site. This information can usually be
obtained for a small fee and should
provide an early indication of whether
the network may need to be reinforced.
Carrying out a feasibility study

More complex schemes may require a
feasibility study to assess connection
options and provide indicative
costs for the contestable and noncontestable work elements (which
are defined and discussed further
below). The need for such a study
should be established as early as
possible. The developer can either
ask the host to carry it out or contract
an independent third party. The latter
approach can sometimes provide
a quicker process if a specialist is
employed. But remember, only the
owner of the existing network is able
to confirm connection points and
reinforcement requirements, but
a specialist is able to validate the
information provided.
The host can charge for the provision
of certain information and feasibility
work. As this can be costly it is
important that the developer and
host agree the scope of the study
and its deliverables at the outset.
Once the developer has agreed to pay
the costs, the host usually has up to
28 days to produce the information.
If the developers proposal is

considered complex, the host gets
more time. Again, the developer
should be guarded on how reliable
the information will be, as at this
budget price stage is not binding
on the host utility. The value of the
information is only as good as its
interpretation and should not be used
as a shortcut to acquire an offer that
is binding on the information provider.
Allowing for complexity in

large schemes
In making provision in the
construction programme for utility
connections full account should be
taken of the added complications
likely to arise in large and complex
developments as a result of the need,
for instance, to cross railway lines or
other obstacles that may be outside
the control of either the client or the
utility provider. As it is very likely
that some works associated with a
significant development will have to
be carried out on a public highway,
it is particularly important to factor
in the time required for utility
companies to gain permission from
the relevant highway authority. The
rules of engagement, which are set
out in the Traffic Management Act
2004, specify a notice period which is
usually three months from the receipt
of the application but which can be
longer. Both the need to serve such
a notice and the subsequent need to
programme the work may extend the
timescale considerably.
Estimating Loads
There can be a tendency amongst
electrical designers to play it safe
and hugely overestimate loads by
using data that takes no account of
load coincidence and diversity. This
could result in the host specifying
reinforcement where a more rational
estimate of loads would require
none. There is often no opportunity
to ask utilities companies what level
of load, would trigger reinforcement
works, and if one does ask for a
revised quote based on a lower load,
this can take as long as, or longer to
produce than the first quote. This is
down to the dynamic nature of the
network, the unpredictable flow of
enquiries an operator may receive
and the need to treat all applicants
fairly and equitably. If making a
request results in a response that
is not a formal offer for connection,
15
the host may have no knowledge of

a future request or has no obligation
(or allowable resources) to keep
customers advised of any potential
changes to feasibility studies.
The connection offer

The design stage, typically RIBA
Stage D, is usually the point at which
the developer submits its formal
connection request to the host. It
is important to follow the hosts
specific procedures because if any
information is missing this will lead to
delays. The host is expected to provide
a documented application process to
help the applicant get it right.
The host should then issue a firm
connection offer specifying some or
all of the following:
terms of the connection offer
terms of construction agreement
terms of adoption agreement
terms of any lease, wayleave/
easement
terms for reservation of capacity
date for capacity and connection
availability
the point of connection to the host
network
site plan with cable routes and
substation location
full design of any reinforcement
works
full civil design for connection
works
programme of works
charging statement
stage payment schedule
risk register
note regarding communication
with other utilities.
On receipt of the firm offer, the
developer has 90 days to accept its
terms. If for any reason the developer
and host are unable to reach
agreement, the developer should
seek specialist advice.
16
In extreme circumstances, it may be

necessary to refer an issue to the
regulator for determination but this
process can take up to 16 weeks.
Getting quotations
The time taken to issue quotations
is one of the most common
problems with surveys suggesting
that developers often have to wait
for many months. The options for
developers in such circumstances are
limited. However it can pay to make
the utility company aware that you
expect it to observe the time limits
suggested by the relevant regulator.
OFGEMs voluntary time limits
for non-contestable work require
distributors to provide a formal
quotation within 15 days for simple
schemes and within 20 days for more
complex work. OFGEM has requested
the electricity distributors to make
voluntary payments so as to align
with the Electricity (Standards of
Performance) Regulations 2010.
Developers should note that some
companies run a different process
for non-contestable quotations
compared with that for a full
quote. This is becoming prevalent
in electricity with distributors
claiming they must do so in order to
not breech any non-discrimination
obligations. This means that a noncontestable element of a full quote
is not transferable to a competition
in connection quote. There are
a number of reasons why this is
unacceptable but first and foremost
it limits the developers choice if it
finds the contestable element of an
offer intolerable. It is not practical to
engage the market place if there is
a risk that the DNO alters the noncontestable offer and defines
a different location for the point
of connection.
A developer should make clear that it
expects to receive a non-contestable
offer that is binding, irrespective of
whether it accepts the contestable
element or not. Circumstances where
the distributor fails to do this should
be drawn to OFGEMs attention.
Legal agreements
Before the site can be energised,
the host and developer must enter
into a connection agreement and
an adoption agreement (if the
connection is to be adopted by the
host). The connection agreement
covers the conditions under which
the site is to be physically connected
to the host network. Generally, these
take a standard form with schemespecific annexes. The adoption
agreement details the terms under
which the host will take control
and ownership of the contestable
connection assets as part of its wider
network. It also includes details
of the responsibilities of all three
parties (the host, the developer and
the third party constructing the
contestable connection works).
It is worth noting that the standard
form agreements typically leave
most of the cost and delivery risk
with the customer. Clients should
also be aware that, unless otherwise
approved, reinforcement works
become subject to use it or lose it
i.e. if you do not take up all of the
capacity created within a specified
period the host may sell this capacity
to others.
Costs
The cost to the developer of getting
a connection depends on various
factors:
the nature and extent of the works
the distance between the site and
the hosts network
the degree to which reinforcement
is needed
the timescales for the work
the value of materials and labour
at the time.
Where network extension works
are necessary and are for the sole
use of the developer, the developer
will usually have to pay the full
cost. If, however, the process of
reinforcement creates spare network
capacity that is used by subsequent
developments, the developer should
receive a rebate for that proportion
of costs attributable to the second
customer. This rule applies for a

period of five years. However if the
DNO can foresee that a new section
of network (the network extension)
will be used by a second (or even
third) customer the initial charges
should be apportioned appropriately.
Where reinforcement works (defined
as assets installed that add capacity)
are necessary, but also provide for
some of the hosts future network
requirements, the developer will
usually be charged a proportion of
the cost. The method of calculation is
contained in the Common Connection
Charge Methodology published by
each DNO.
Gas reinforcement is subject to an
economic test which determines
whether reinforcement charges are
carried by the developer/applicant.
Water reinforcement is covered by
an infrastructure charge permitted
under section 146 of the Water
Industry Act 1991.
As part of the firm offer from the
host, the developer should be
provided with a charging statement
that sets out the charges to be levied.
These will usually cover:
Assessment and design to identify
and design the most appropriate
point on the existing network for
the connection.
Design approval to ensure design
of a connection meets the safety
and operation requirements of the
host.
Non-contestable works/
reinforcement that can be
undertaken by the host only,
including land rights issues and
consents.
Contestable connection works to
include circuits and plant forming
part of the connection that can
be undertaken by approved
contractors or the host.
Inspection of works to ensure
that works are being constructed
in accordance with the design
requirements of the host.
Testing to ensure that a connection
can be safely energised.
Charges for assessment and design

(with the exception of electricity)3
and design approval are paid in
advance with the formal connection
request. Developers should advise
OFGEM of any DNO continuing to
charge assessment and design fees
for providing a quotation.
There may be circumstances in
which the developer requests a
solution in excess of the minimum
necessary which the host is required
to provide. This might involve other
costs associated with the operation,
maintenance, repair and replacement
of the new or modified connection.
These are known as OR&M costs
and are chargeable as capitalised
up-front costs for the extra resilience
element (i.e. not the total cost). These
charges should not be payable on
assets provided to meet minimum
security and reliability standards as
the costs for operation, maintenance,
repair and replacement are recovered
through the use of system charges.
This can be a grey area in the manner
they are applied, particularly when
an IDNO is to be employed. But
unless the developer has specifically
requested an enhanced reliability/
resilience level, any charge should
be disputed and referred to OFGEM.
It is worth clarifying in writing that
no enhancement to design and
performance standards is required
as the charges could be very large,
as they are based on the DNO
assessment of the additional works,
not the actual cost.
The ability of the DNO to charge up front Architect and Design (A&D) fees has been suspended. It was determined that the
DNO may have no legal right under the Electricity Act to make an A&D charge. The matter is in dispute and rests with DECC.
17
18
Section F
Performance
Standards
AND Disputes
Following determination of a dispute,

which shall be final and binding on
both parties as if it were a judgment
of the county court, GEMA may make
an order as to costs and expenses of
the procedure, having regard to the
conduct, means of the parties, and
any other relevant considerations.
Performance
standards
Gas
Incumbents are expected to follow

performance standards laid down
by their respective regulators,
including recommended timescales,
for the provision of non-contestable
services. Failure to meet these
standards can result in the
imposition of sanctions.
Expected performance standards
levels are covered in the appendices.
Disputes
Electricity
The Electricity Act provides a process
for dealing with disputes between an
electricity distributor and a person
requesting a connection arising out
of the distributors duty to provide
a connection, the procedure for
requiring a connection, and the
powers to recover expenditure,
require security and acceptance of
additional connection terms.
Where such a dispute arises, it may
be referred to Gas and Electricity
Markets Authority (GEMA) by either
party, and on such a referral shall be
determined by order made either by
GEMA, or if GEMA thinks fit, by an
arbitrator, and reasons for making
such order must be given to both
parties. The procedure and process
to be followed in connection with
a determination shall be such as
GEMA considers appropriate, but no
such dispute may be referred where
a period of 12 months has passed,
beginning with the time when the
connection was made.
The Gas Act provides a process for

dealing with disputes between a
gas transporter and a person
requesting a connection. These may
arise out of the transporters general
supply connection powers and
duties, the duty to connect to certain
premises, and the power to require
supply security.
Where such a dispute arises, it
may be referred to GEMA by either
party, and on such a referral shall be
determined by order made either by
GEMA, or if GEMA thinks fit, by an
arbitrator, and reasons for making
such order must be given to both
parties. The procedure and process
to be followed in connection with
a determination shall be such as
GEMA considers appropriate, but no
such dispute may be referred where
a period of 12 months has passed,
beginning with the time when the
connection was made.
Water
A water undertaker is not under
a duty to provide, or take steps
to provide, a new supply to any
premises if in doing so it would
incur unreasonable expenditure
which would put at risk its ability to
meet its existing or probable future
obligations or if it would otherwise
run such a risk.
Once a request for a water supply has
been made to a water undertaker,
the terms and conditions under
which the supply will be made
available must be agreed between
both parties. If the parties cannot
agree the terms and conditions for
the supply of water, the terms and
conditions will be determined by the
Water Services Regulation Authority
(WSRA) or by an arbitrator appointed
by it, according to what
is considered reasonable.
Pending the determination of a

dispute, during the interim period,
GEMA may give directions as to the
terms and circumstances on which a
gas transporter is required to make
or maintain a connection, or require
security for expenses to be provided
to the transporter.
Following determination of a dispute,
which shall be final and binding on
both parties as if it were a judgment
of the county court, GEMA may make
an order as to costs and expenses of
the procedure, having regard to the
conduct, means of the parties, and
any other relevant considerations.
Pending the determination of a

dispute, during the interim period,
GEMA may give directions as to the
terms and circumstances on which
a distributor is required to make or
maintain a connection, or require
security for expenses to be provided
to a distributor.
19
Section G
Competition
Many clients assume that they
have little option but to rely on the
incumbent distributor to get their
new connection up and running. They
fail to appreciate that they can now
commission significant (but not all)
parts of the work required directly
from independent contractors. Even
if they are aware of this, they may be
unclear about how to exercise such
a right.
OFGEM and OFWAT have sought to
promote competition in the provision
of connections to gas and electricity
distribution networks. The gas
connections markets opened to
competition in 1998, the electricity
connections market in 2000 and the
water market in 2003. As indicated
above, customers seeking an
alternative to the incumbent network
provider can have, at least, some of
the connection assets installed by an
(ICP), or by a licensed Independent
Distribution Network Operator (IDNO)/
Independent Gas Transporter (IGT).
These arrangements have been put in
place with the aim of giving customers
access to reasonably priced and good
quality connection services.
The utilities market can be complex
but the level of regulation has to relax
in favour of competition. Regulators
can only do so much to create the
framework for competition. It is
customers using the market place
that will drive in competition and drive
out the utility companies who retain a
dominant position without delivering
a quality of service at a competitive
price that developers seek.
The purpose of this guide is not to
highlight the shortcomings of the
companies but underpin the key
issues that developers face. Its
purpose is to provide a road map
to those companies that want your
business and treat you as a valuable
customer and provide the quality of
service that ensures the connection
is delivered on time.
20
The degree to which competition

has taken hold varies a lot between
sectors. The share of new entrants
in the gas connections market has
grown to nearly 50% whereas the
figure for electricity connections is
just 6%.
Where an independent contractor
is used to deliver infrastructure, the
incumbent utility companies do not
have to own the assets provided and
be responsible for subsequent service
delivery. The residential market has
seen the emergence of companies
offering IGT and IDNO services.
Other IDNOs are likely to emerge for
commercial, retail and industrial
sectors gradually eroding the
incumbent utility company market
share. The incumbent companies
either have to adapt or their
connections market will stagnate. A
utility company has to approve the
work in advance, monitor progress
and arrange for connection to the
network. They will also commission
the works and agree to adopt the
programme, but the timing of these
activities remain with the developer.
There are now initiatives in place to
displace the incumbent distribution
company from making the final
connection to the existing network.
This will take some time to roll-out
but the aim is to reduce the scope
of non-contestable work currently
performed by the incumbent.
The gas market model is now well
developed and shows a distribution
of market share among a number
of participants. The reality is that
if price and service levels are
inadequate, the developer can switch
service provider. There is no need for
regulatory intervention to develop
the market.
The initiatives put in place in the
electricity market in April 2010,
places the DNO under close scrutiny.
They have been allowed to charge
a regulated margin on contestable
work and with the relevant costs
taken out of the price control regime.
This should provide some headroom
for the ICP.
If competition fails to develop, there
is a claw-back mechanism, and the
risk of a competition commission
Investigation.
What areas
are subject to
competition:
Contestable and
non-contestable
work
Not all of the connection process
has been opened up to competition.
Certain works can still only be carried
out by the host or by an approved
contractor.
The crucial distinction is between
contestable and 'non-contestable
works. In broad terms:
The host is the only body permitted
to carry out what is described
as non-contestable works table
works. These include work such
as determining the point of
connection and design approval
(unless adopted by an IGT/IDNO).
However, contestable works
which include, for instance, the
installation of cables/pipes,
sub-stations and other plant
associated with the developments
which are connected, may be
carried out by an approved
contractor known as an
(ICP) or the host. This is the
developer's choice.
Where a developer decides to
contract a third party to carry out
the contestable works, it has a
responsibility to ensure that these
works meet the hosts network
adoption requirements (although
this responsibility may be passed to
the third party) which is fulfilled by
the use of an accredited contractor
for the scope of works required. The
developer may want to maintain a
close interest in the third party's
activities but this should not be
necessary if the ICP has the full skill
set to specify, source and procure the
equipment to be installed, and seek
formal approval for the works design
and programme directly from the
host before the works begin.
The host will currently charge for all
approvals work but should complete
any approvals within set timescales.
If the developer has chosen to
contract an IDNO, similar procedures
will apply.
More detailed definitions of

contestable and non-contestable
work in relation to gas, electricity
and water are set out in Appendix
1. Each incumbent electricity/gas/
water company will publish the scope
of non-contestable work in their
charging methodology.
Design specification
for contestable work
To assist customers or their appointed
ICPs in undertaking contestable works,
a suite of national documentation has
been developed setting out common
requirements for Design and Planning,
Material Specification and Installation
and Records.4
Assessment of
independent
service providers
The Lloyds Register Group operates
schemes on behalf of the utility
industry and their regulators to
assess, independently, service
providers seeking to work within
the contestable markets in the
electricity, gas, and water sectors.
The schemes are intended to help
those wishing to procure the services
of accredited service providers. There
are currently three schemes covering
these sectors:
National Electricity Registration
Scheme (NERS)
Gas Industry Registration Scheme
(GIRS)
Water Industry Registration
Scheme (WIRS).
Each scheme specifies the minimum
criteria against which a service
provider must be assessed in order to
determine its technical competence
and achieve accreditation under the
relevant scheme. The assessment
criteria for the schemes are intended
to enable service providers to be
recognised as technically competent,
aware of design and safety principles,
and capable of installing new
connections to high levels of quality
and safety. Full details can be found
on the Lloyds Register website.
In choosing an alternative to the host

utility, developers can either select
accredited construction companies
or project managers, who will engage
approved construction companies.
With both types of company the
accreditation provided by Lloyds
Register is recognised by all utility
companies as confirming that the
utility provider is competent to
provide new infrastructure suitable
for adoption by the host utility.
Lloyds Register also operates a
multi-utility recognition status
for accredited service providers
registered under all three schemes.
Known as Multi-Utility Recognition
Status (MURS), this brings together
the sector specific schemes that are
already in place and makes it easier
for developers to find companies able
to service their sites.
Details of where to find these
companies is contained in Appendix
10 of this document.
One-stop
connection options
Given the problems and complexity
of organising new connections
for major projects, one option for
developers is to delegate the entire
task to a company that specialises
in liaising with the different utilities,
and promises a one stop shop that
might include:
application for supply
network design and approval
procurement of ICP/UIP/IDNO/IGT
liaison and co-ordination with
incumbent license holder
mains installation and adoption
co-ordination of service
connections
materials and logistics
management
meter installation
recording and forwarding meter
data to suppliers
Such companies can:

Offer a more co-ordinated and
integrated one-stop-shop
service for the provision of new
utility connections or a selection
of activities that the developer
chooses, thereby obviating the
problems caused by multiple,
uncoordinated operations.
Have a better understanding of the
different practices, terminology,
legal and regulatory frameworks
used by different utilities.
Understand the geographical
boundaries between companies
which are often illogical and are
different for each utility.
Understand the opportunities for
greater competition in the way
utility services are provided which
have been introduced in recent
years.
Offer a service that goes beyond
water, gas and electricity and also
includes telecoms, renewable
energy installations and street
lighting as well.
The rapid growth of such companies
clearly reflects both the frustrations
of dealing with distribution
companies and the attractiveness
of the one contractor, one set of
plans, one trench concept that such
companies sell.
All ICPs and UIPs have access to these specifications. These are readily available for purchase.
21
Section H
centralised
Energy AND
District
Heating
Systems
The drive to cut carbon emissions
has stimulated interest in district
heating systems that enable the heat
demand for an area to be produced
centrally with hot water or steam
being transported to the buildings
through a network of pipes. They can
also enable heat to drive absorption
chillers to provide cooling (a fridge
operating in reverse), a very useful
option in the summer. Networks
vary widely in scale but have the
capability to heat entire cities as
is the case in Denmark (which has
an interconnected district heating
system). Such systems can be cost
effective and reduce CO2 emissions
compared to conventional heating
systems, although this depends on
the fuel used and the type of central
plant that is generating the heat.
These systems are increasingly being
stipulated in planning conditions and
the necessity to demonstrate lower
carbon higher efficient energy use
will become more the norm than
the exception.
This is an unregulated area and there
are no generally applicable 'rules'
for obtaining connections to the few
existing networks, let alone creating
new ones. Earlier it was noted that
in recent years several schemes
have started to come forward which
incorporate district heating and
combined heat and power (CHP).
Though there is no regulatory regime
governing connections and the
performance of these networks it is
only a matter of time before some
framework guidance is issued.
Government proposals to introduce
a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
will support its legal obligations of
reducing carbon emissions.
22
The package of measures will result

in a governance requirement that
could reside with a recognised
body, operating under a regulatory
regime with a mandate underwritten
from DECC. The guidance referred
earlier to a European Court ruling
in May 2008 that requires the UK
to implement an open access
arrangement mainly directed at gas
and electricity supplies but which
could be interpreted as including
most if not all forms of energy.
Provision of heat as a monopoly
service with an unregulated price
is inconsistent with other utility
services that rely on competition
and/or regulation to protect the
interests of domestic customers.
It is likely that de-centralised energy
will need to be made subject to
similar rules as those applying in
comparable markets.
Appendices
23
Appendix 1
Competition:
Contestable
AND NonContestable
Work
The following sets out the areas of
work relating to utility connections
that may only be carried out as
contestable or non-contestable work.
Water
Contestable work
Designing on-site water systems in
accordance with water companies
specifications.
Installing on-site mains.
Installing off-site mains in third
party land and highways where
the developer or SLO has obtained
the necessary easements, street
authority approvals and satisfied
any other legal requirements.
Installing extensions and the
new part of diversions to new
development sites, where
the developer or SLO has the
necessary permissions and
no existing customers will
be affected, or there are no
engineering reasons why this work
should be non-contestable.
Installing service pipes to
new mains water company
specifications.
Connecting service pipes to new
mains (after the water company
has commissioned the new
mains with water), provided
the appropriate standards are
met and there are no risks to
existing customers. See also the
guidance on timing of service pipe
connections.
Swabbing, pressure testing and
disinfecting new mains, under
supervision by the water company.
Fitting water meters to water
company specifications and
subject to water company
approval.
24
Designing off-site water systems.

Sizing pipes water companies
can retain responsibility for this
part of the design work.
Approving on-site water system
designs.
Off-site work to reinforce the
existing network.
Determining the timing of service
pipe connections to new mains.
Connections that involve risks to
existing customers.
Connecting new mains to existing
mains.
Connecting service pipes directly
to existing mains.
Water sampling and quality
testing.
Works that must be carried out by the

DNO include:
Processing your application and
adoption of assets.
Determining the point of
connection to the distribution
system.
Approval of contestable designs
for new connections and
contestable reinforcements.
Connection of the extension,
reinforced or diverted assets to
the distribution system and its
energisation.
Carrying out of any works for
the purpose of reinforcing the
distribution system where the
conditions for such activity being
contestable work are not met.
Planning, designing, specifying and
carrying out any works associated
with the diversion of distribution
assets where the conditions for
such activity being contestable
work are not met.
Removal or repositioning of
existing Electrical Plant and
Electric Lines.
Agreeing and obtaining any
suitable Legal Consents that may
be required.
Operation, repair and maintenance
of the electrical plant and the
electric lines.
Electricity
Contestable work
The following contestable works
may be carried out in their entirety
either by a DNO or by an approved
contractor on the applicants behalf
and in accordance with the DNOs
specification.
The design for the network
extension and any contestable
reinforcement of the existing
network.
The procurement and provision of
equipment and materials to the
DNOs current specification for the
extension.
Trenching and other preparation
of the site, including the circuit
routes between the development
and the point of connection.
Construction of the network
extension and any contestable
reinforcement and diversions.
Recording of work done and
of the location of cable routes
and other equipment on site or
elsewhere, and the provision of
this information to the DNO.
Reinstatement (both temporary, if
appropriate and permanent) of the
site, including the circuit routes.
Making provision for the
installation of metering
equipment.
Legal consents.
Gas
The gas market differs from the
electricity market. Gas connections
are subject to an economic test and
are not viewed as an essential service
unlike water and electricity.
Developers who opt for a UIP/
IGT to provide a connection do
not experience exposure to noncontestable services. Generally the
only service that can be deemed
non-contestable is defining the CSEP
(Connected System Exit Point) which
is managed by the UIP/IGT. 2955 CSEP
were created in 2009/10 with the
final connection to the existing gas
network is carried out by the UIP/IGT.
Connections downstream of CSEP
were undertaken by the UIP
or IGT.
Appendix 2
Connections
Industry
Review (CIR)
Link to OFGEM connection industry
review:
OFGEM Connections Industry Review
(CIR) 20082009 Appendices or visit
www.ofgem.gov.uk/networks
OFGEM Connections Industry Review
(CIR) 20092010 Appendices or visit
www.ofgem.gov.uk/networks
Appendix 3
The Electricity
(Connections
Standards of
Performance)
Regulations
2010
Link to Statutory Instrument:
The Electricity (Connection
Standards of Performance)
Regulations 2010 or visit www.
legislation.gov.uk
Electricity distributors are subject
to meeting a number of standards
across the range of services they
provide. Here are the standards and
associated penalties for supplying
quotations supplying that they are
in possession of all the information
needed. The distributor is expected
to notify the customer within ten
working days if the information is
incomplete.
Type of connection

Timescale
(demand)
Timescale
(generation)
Late payment per

working day
Single domestic low voltage (LV) service

demand connection or alteration
(including moving a meter)
5 working days
10
Small LV demand projects

(domestic developments of less
then five houses or single nondomestic connections with whole
current metering)
15 working days
Other LV connections with LV works
25 working days
45 working days
50
Connections involving high voltage

(HV) works
35 working days
65 working days
100
65 working days
65 working days
150
Connections involving extra high

voltage (EHV) works
10
Upon receipt of written acceptance the DNO is required to contact a customer to schedule work
25
Type of connection
demand and generation
Timescale to make contact

Late payment per working day

7 working days
50
Connections involving HV works
10 working days
100
Connections involving EHV works
15 working days
150
If the agreed date is not met further penalties are incurred
Type of connection
demand and generation

Late payment per

working day for
commencing work
Late payment per

working day for
completing work
Late payment per

working day to energise
where required
20
100
100
Connections involving HV works
20
150
150
Connections involving EHV works
20
200
200
Type of connection
Payment
Single domestic LV service connection or alteration

(including moving a meter)
250
Small LV demand projects (domestic developments

of less then five houses or single non-domestic
connections with whole current metering)
500
A quotation accuracy scheme applies for a single LV or small LV demand project
26
Appendix 4
The Gas
(Standards of
Performance)
Regulations
2005
Link to Statutory instrument:
The Gas Standards of
Performance Regs or visit www.
legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1135/
contents/made
Connections
Guaranteed
Standards
If you request a new connection
or service alteration the following
standards apply. In addition to these
Guaranteed Standards, the GTs listed
in this document are also required
to meet a Licence Standard (under
Standard Special Condition D10 of
their Licence) to achieve the majority
of these standards in 90% of cases.
All gas transporters are subject to

meeting a number of standards across
the range of services they offer.
Guaranteed Standard
Standard description
Compensation for failure
GS4. Provision of standard

quotations (up to 275kWh)
If you request a standard quotation

from your GT for a new connection or an
alteration to an existing connection up to
and including a rate of flow of 275kWh,
the GT will issue it within 6 working days.
If the GT fails you will receive a payment

of 10 and an additional 10 for each
succeeding working day up to the
quotation sum or 250 whichever is
lowest.
GS5. Provision of non standard

quotations (up to 275kWh)
If you request a non-standard quotation

from your GT for a new connection or an
alteration to an existing connection up to
and including a rate of flow of 275kWh, the
GT will issue it within 11 working days.

lowest.
GS6. Provision of non standard

quotations (greater than
275kWh)
If you request a non-standard quotation

from your GT for a new connection or
an alteration to an existing connection
exceeding a rate of flow of 275kWh, the
GT will issue it within 21 working days.

lowest.
Note for GS4, GS5 & GS6: these standards do not apply where the information you
provided to your GT was incorrect or incomplete or where consents are required from
third parties.
GS7. Accuracy of quotations
If the quotation is found to be inaccurate

in accordance with the GTs published
accuracy scheme, the GT will reissue
you with a correct quotation and any
overcharge paid will be refunded. You can
contact your GT on the details provided
for further information on their accuracy
scheme.
If the quotation is found to be inaccurate

in accordance with the GTs published
accuracy scheme then you will be
entitled to payment(s) under GS4, GS5 or
GS6 until an accurate quote is issued.
GS8. Responses to land

enquiries
If you ask for a Land Enquiry from your

GT in relation to a new connection or an
alteration to an existing connection the
GT will issue a response within 5 working
days.

of 40 and an additional 40 per working
day thereafter up to a maximum of 250
for connections up to and including
275kWh and 500 for connections
exceeding 275kWh.
27
Guaranteed Standard
GS9. Provision of
commencement and
substantial completion dates
(up to 275kWh)
If the GT receives an accepted quotation

for a new connection or an alteration
to an existing connection up to and
including a rate of flow of 275kWh, it will
offer a planned date within 20 working
days for commencement and substantial
completion of this work

day thereafter up to the quotation sum or
250 whichever is lowest.
If the GT receives an accepted quotation

for a new connection or an alteration to
an existing connection exceeding a rate of
flow of 275kWh, it will offer a planned date
within 20 working days for commencement
and substantial completion of this work.

day thereafter up to the quotation sum or
500 whichever is lowest.
Where the GT has agreed a substantial

completion date for a new connection or
an alteration to an existing connection it
will meet that date. However, this does
not necessarily mean that gas will be
available for use inside the premises as
the fitting of a meter, which will enable
the flow of gas, must be arranged by you
and your chosen gas supplier.
If the GT fails, you will receive a payment

related to the value of the contract and a
payment for each working day thereafter
up to a maximum level. Your contract will
be allocated to one category of the table
below and payments will be made in line
with that category up to the relevant cap.
Contract Value
Payment
Cap
Up to and including 1,000
20
The lesser of 200 or the contract sum
Lesser of 100 or 2.5% of contract sum
25% of the contract sum
100
25% of the contract sum
100
5,000
150
9,000
GS10. Provision of
commencement and
substantial completion dates
(greater than 275kWh)
GS11. Substantial completion

by agreed date
Note: for GS9, GS10 & GS11 these standards do not apply where you have specifically asked your GT to delay the work.
Payments
Guaranteed Standard
GS12. Notification and

payments under the
Guaranteed Standards.
Where a GT has failed any of the

above Guaranteed Standards or the
Connections Guaranteed Standards they
will write to inform you (or your supplier)
and make the payment within 20 working
days of compensation becoming due.

of 20 in addition to any payments made
under the other Guaranteed Standards.
For failures under GS1, GS2, GS3 and GS12 payment(s) will be made either directly to you or via your gas supplier
who is obliged to forward this payment to you. For failures under GS4-GS11 the payment(s) will be made directly
to you.
28
Appendix 5
DNO NonContestable
Quotation
Performance
Standards
Table of services and standards
Voltage
1. Provision of quotations
Standard
a) Low Voltage Demand for a new demand
connection to the licensees distribution system
where the highest voltage of the assets at the point
of connection and any associated works is not more
than 1 kilovolt Volt.
Within 15 working days of

receiving the request
b) Low Voltage Generation for a new generation

where the highest voltage of the asset at the point
of connection and any associated works is not more
than 1 kilovolt.

c) High Voltage Demand for a new demand

of connection and any associated works is more
than 1 kilovolt but not more than 22 kilovolts.

d) High Voltage Generation for a new generation

of connection and any associated works is more
than 1 kilovolt but not more than 22 kilovolts.

e) Extra High Voltage Demand for a new demand

of connection and associated works is more than
22 kilovolts but not more than 72 kilovolts.

f) Other Connections for a new connection to the

licensees distribution system that is not included
within the preceding sub-paragraphs.
Within three months of

All DNOs have volunteered to map the penalty payments of the Performance Regulations on page 25 across to noncontestable works; 50 for LV 1(a) and 1(b) 100 for HV 1(c) and 1(d) 150 for EHV 1(e) and 1(f).
29
Appendix 6
Water
Companies
Service AND
Delivery
Report AND
SLO Standards
Link to OFWAT report:
Service and Delivery Report
200910 or visit www.ofwat.gov.uk/
regulating/reporting/rpt_los_200910.pdf
Water Companies Standards to SLOs

Required levels of service
1
The water company scrutinises the application and acknowledges it as complete or notifies the
applicant of any shortfall. The service standard for checking and acknowledging the completeness of
the application is three working days from receipt.
The water company sizes the mains for the development, laid out in the proposed service corridor.
The water company then estimates off-site and reinforcement costs, and non-contestable charges,
including inspection, disinfection and sampling, connections to existing mains and building water. Also,
any mains that are to be upsized for future developments are identified and the SLO is notified of the
water company contribution to the upsized element. The water company calculates the asset payment
that is due to developers who are installing their own pipework in accordance with the methodology
set out in the Water Act 2003. The water company issues the formal agreement.
Days
3
20
10
Where the SLO asks the water company to do the design:

Developments up to 500 domestic properties.
For developments greater than 500 properties or schemes where significant off-site design is
required, or where there are changes to the developers prior notifications or where specialist advice
or investigation is required, the water company must confirm the date for providing full details of
the quotations.
30
2a
Where the SLO elects to do the design:

The water company specifies the point of connection and provides system design parameters.
For developments not greater than 500 properties (point of connections may be subject to a validity
period).
10
2b
The water company checks the design, calculates the asset payment and provides full details of the
cost of non-contestable items and services and issues the formal agreement. For developments not
greater than 500 properties, on receipt of design and drawings from the SLO.
15
The water company checks the final details and application within five working days. (Proviso: this will
not apply if there are significant changes in, for example, housing layout, number or type of houses,
programme for development or point of connection, requiring significant revision of asset payment
and/or non-contestable charges).
For non-WIRS accredited SLOs, the water company verifies and accepts records or refuses consent for
the employee to work, as appropriate, within five working days of receipt from the SLO.
Required levels of service
Days
Where a spur main is not available, the water company makes supplies available on notice of a
requirement for a supply, and is available to witness the sterilisation and pressure test subject to the
specified notice period, providing the necessary off-site works have been completed and there are no
New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) or Traffic Management Act requirements.
The water company will take a water sample for bacteriological testing within three working days of
the SLOs request. Where a water sample fails, the water company should inform the SLO within 24
hours of the result being available.
6a
Subject to a satisfactory bacteriological test and receipt from the SLO of as laid drawings, the water
company will connect to the existing system within ten working days of the notice that the new main is
available for testing and connection and will issue a vesting certificate, providing there are no NRSWA or
Traffic Management Act requirements. If a water company fails to meet service level 7a due to its failings,
it should meet any associated costs with reflushing and sampling.
10
Water company to provide spur connection of existing main into entrance of site within 15 working
days of receiving a complete self-lay agreement. If work complexity or road or traffic legislation does
not permit, a counter notice should be issued within seven days of the agreement.
15
7a
The water company should respond to a request for routine mains connection approval within three
working days of receiving a fully completed application (requests received after 12.00 on any day being
deemed to have been received on the next working day.
Where the SLO asks the water company to fit the meter, the water company will do so within five
working days of receiving details of the connection from the SLO.
Where the water company supplies meters for SLOs to fit, they must do so within five working days of
being asked by the SLO, or within reasonable water company procurement timescales.
31
Appendix 7
GDN AND IGT
Contacts
Link to address and contact list:
Gas Company contacts or visit www.
ofgem.gov.uk/Consumers/ncamm/
Documents1/How do I arrange for
a gas connection to a number of
properties.pdf
The following GTs currently operate

only in specific areas of the UK, as
outlined in the UK Gas Distribution
Map below. To obtain a connection
from one of these GTs you need to
contact the relevant GT for your area.
Network name
Network owner

Domestic
connection provider
Contact

East of England National Grid National Grid

http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Gas/Connections/
+44 (0)870 903 9999
London National Grid National Grid

+44 (0)870 903 9999
North of England Northern Gas Northern Gas

Networks
Networks
http://www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/cms/14.html
+44 (0)870 300 7677
North West National Grid National Grid

+44 (0)870 903 9999
Scotland

Scotland Gas
Networks
Scotland Gas
Networks
http://sgn.co.uk/index.aspx?id=952
+44 (0)845 070 1432
South of England

Southern Gas
Networks
Southern Gas
Networks
http://sgn.co.uk/index.aspx?id=952
+44 (0)845 070 1431
Wales & West

Wales & West Utilities

Wales & West Utilities

http://www.wwutilities.co.uk
+44 (0)870 165 0597
West Midlands National Grid National Grid

+44 (0)870 903 9999
The following GTs operate on a national basis and generally provide new gas networks for new housing estates.
They may also be able to offer connections for infill customers.
ESP Ltd
ES Pipelines, Hazeldean, Station Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7AA
http://www.espipelines.com/

+44 (0)1372 227560
Energetics Gas
International House, Stanley Boulevard, Hamilton International, Technology Park, Glasgow G72 0BN
http://www.energetics-uk.com/gas/

+44 (0)1698 404949
GTC Pipelines
Woolpit Business Park, Woolpit, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9UQ
http://www.gtc-uk.co.uk/

+44 (0)1359 240363
Independent Ocean Park House, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff CF24 5GT
Pipelines Ltd
http://www.independentpipelines.com

+44 (0)2920 304040
SSE Pipelines

32
SSE Pipelines, Robert Brown House, Pipers Way, Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 4AZ
http://www.scottish-southern.co.uk/SSEInternet/index.aspx?rightColExternalLinks=1280&id=2714
+44 (0)845 300 2314
Appendix 8
DNO AND IDNO
Contacts
Electricity Distributor contact list or
visit www.ofgem.gov.uk/Consumers/
ncamm/Documents1/How do I
arrange for a gas connection to a
number of properties.pdf
Using a DNO
Central Networks
Customer Application Team, Central Networks, 3rd Floor, Toll End Road, Tipton DY4 0HH
plc http://www.eon-uk.com/distribution/connections.aspx

+44 (0)845 072 7270
CE Electric UK
CE Electric UK, Network Connections, Cargo Fleet Lane, Middlesbrough TS3 8DG
http://ceelectricuk.com/page/connections2.cfm

+44 (0)845 070 2703
Electricity North
West Ltd

United Utilities Electricity Services, Limited, Oakland House, Talbot Road, Manchester M16 0HQ
http://www.unitedutilities.com/electricityconnections.htm
+44 (0)845 050 0108
Scottish Hydro
Electric Power
Distribution plc
Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld, Perth PH1 3AQ

http://www.hydro.co.uk/
+44 (0)800 048 3515
Southern
Electric Power
Distribution Ltd
Westacott Way, Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3QB

http://www.southern-electric.co.uk/
+44 (0)800 048 3516
SP Distribution SP Energy Networks, Customer Connections, 55 Fullerton Drive, Cambuslang, Glasgow G32 8FA
http://www.sppowersystems.co.uk/NetworkConnections/default.asp

+44 (0)141 614 9997
SP Manweb plc
SP Energy Networks, Customer Connections, PO Box 290 Lister Drive, Liverpool L13 7HJ
http://www.sppowersystems.co.uk/NetworkConnections/default.asp

+44 (0)151 221 2110
UK Power Networks Energy House, Carriers Business Park, Hazelwick Avenue, Three Bridges, Crawley,

West Sussex RH10 1EX
http://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk

+44 (0)845 234 0040
Western Power
Business Support, Western Power Distribution, Phoenix Way, Swansea Enterprise Park,
Distribution plc
Llansamlet, Swansea SA7 9HW
Wales http://www.westernpower.co.uk/New-Connections.aspx

+44 (0)845 601 3341
Western Power New Connections Enquiries, Bodmin Records Team, Western Power Distribution, Lostwithiel Road,
Distribution plc
Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 1DE
South West
http://www.westernpower.co.uk/New-Connections.aspx

+44 (0)845 601 2989
33
Using an IDNO
IDNOs are licensed entities which
own and operate electricity
distribution networks, predominately
network extensions connected to the
existing distribution network, e.g. to
serve new housing developments.
Currently OFGEM have issued six
distribution licences to IDNOs and
revoked one.
Independent Power Networks Limited Ocean Park House, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff CF24 5GT
http://www.independentpowernetworks.co.uk/index.php

+44 (0)845 055 6199
Energetics Electricity Ltd International House, Stanley Boulevard, Hamilton International Technology Park,

Glasgow, G72 0BN
http://www.energetics-uk.com/electricity/
The Electricity Network Company ltd
Energy House, Woolpit Business Park, Woolpit, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9UP
ESP Electricity Limited

Hazeldean, Station Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7AA
http://www.espelectricity.com/index.htm

+44 (0)1372 227560
UK Power Networks (IDNO) Ltd
Bircholt Road, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9XH
http://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Utility Assets Ltd
53 High Street, Cheveley, Suffolk CB8 9DQ
http://www.utilityassets.co.uk
34
Appendix 9
Water
Company
Contacts
Water Companies in England
and Wales or visit www.ofwat.gov.uk/
consumerissues/watercompanies/
map/
Water Companies Self Lay Policies

or visit www.ofwat.gov.uk/
consumerissues/selflay/prs_web_
selflaypolicies
Anglian Water Services Ltd

Head Office Address:
Anglian House , Ambury Road
Huntingdon PE29 3NZ
Phone: +44 (0)1480 323000
Fax: +44 (0)1480 323115
http://www.anglianwater.co.uk/
Portsmouth Water plc

PO Box 8, West Street
Havant, Hants PO9 1LG
Phone: +44 (0)2392 499888
Fax: +44 (0)2392 453632
http://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/
Bristol Water plc

PO Box 218, Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS99 7AU
Phone: +44 (0)117 966 5881
Fax: +44 (0)117 963 4576
http://www.bristolwater.co.uk/
Sembcorp Bournemouth Water Ltd

(formerly Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water plc)
George Jessel House
Francis Avenue
Bournemouth BH11 8NX
Phone: +44 (0)1202 591111
Fax: +44 (0)1202 597022
http://www.sembcorpbw.co.uk/
Cambridge Water Company plc

90 Fulbourn Road, Cambridge CB1 9JN
Phone: +44 (0)1223 706050
Fax: +44 (0)1223 214052
http://www.cambridge-water.co.uk/
Cholderton & District Water Company Ltd
Estate Office, Cholderton
Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0DR
Phone: +44 (0)1980 629203
Fax: +44 (0)1980 629307
http://www.choldertonwater.co.uk/
Dee Valley Water plc
Packsaddle, Wrexham Road
Rhostyllen, Wrexham, Clwyd
North Wales LL14 4EH
Phone: +44 (0)1978 846946
Fax: +44 (0)1978 846888
http://www.deevalleygroup.com
Dr Cymru Cyfyngedig (Welsh Water)
Pentwyn Road, Nelson
Treharris, Mid Glamorgan CF46 6LY
Phone: +44 (0)1443 452300
Fax: +44 (0)1443 452323
http://www.dwrcymru.co.uk/
Severn Trent Water Ltd

2297 Coventry Road
Sheldon, Birmingham B26 3PU
Phone: +44 (0)121 722 4000
Fax: +44 (0)121 722 4800
http://www.stwater.co.uk/
South East Water Ltd
Rockfort Road, Snodland
Kent, ME6 5AH
Phone: +44 (0)845 223 5111
Fax: +44 (0)1634 242764
http://www.southeastwater.co.uk
Southern Water Services Ltd
Southern House
Yeoman Road
Worthing
Sussex BN13 3NX
Phone: +44 (0)1903 264444
Fax: +44 (0)1903 262185
http://www.southernwater.co.uk/
35
South Staffordshire Water plc

Green Lane, Walsall
West Midlands WS2 7PD
Phone: +44 (0)1922 638282
Fax: +44 (0)1922 723631
http://www.south-staffs-water.co.uk/
South West Water Ltd
Peninsula House, Rydon Lane
Exeter EX2 7HR
Phone: +44 (0)1392 446688
Fax: +44 (0)1392 434966
http://www.southwestwater.co.uk/
Sutton & East Surrey Water plc
London Road, Redhill
Surrey RH1 1LJ
Phone: +44 (0)1737 772000
Fax: +44 (0)1737 766807
http://www.waterplc.com/
United Utilities Water plc
Haweswater House, Lingley Mere Business Park
Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey
Warrington WA5 3LP
Phone: +44 (0)1925 237000
Fax: +44 (0)1925 237073
http://www.unitedutilities.com/
Veolia Water Central Ltd (formerly Three Valleys Water plc)
Tamblin Way, Hatfield
Hertfordshire AL10 9EZ
Phone: +44 (0)1707 268111
Fax: +44 (0)1707 277333
https://central.veoliawater.co.uk/index.aspx
36
Veolia Water East Ltd (formerly Tendring Hundred

Water Services Ltd)
Mill Hill, Manningtree
Essex CO11 2AZ
General and Billing Enquiries: +44 (0)845 1489288
Payment Helpline: +44 (0)845 1482911
Emergency: +44 (0)845 1489299
Fax: +44 (0)1206 399210
https://east.veoliawater.co.uk/index.aspx
Veolia Water Southeast Ltd (formerly Folkestone and Dover
Water Services Ltd)
Cherry Garden Lane, Folkestone
Kent CT19 4QB
Phone: +44 (0)1303 298800
Fax: +44 (0)1303 276712
https://southeast.veoliawater.co.uk/index.aspx
Wessex Water Services Ltd
Claverton Down Road, Claverton Down
Bath BA2 7WW
Phone: +44 (0)1225 526000
Fax: +44 (0)1225 528000
http://www.wessexwater.co.uk/
Yorkshire Water Services Ltd
Western House, Western Way
Bradford BD6 2LZ
Phone: +44 (0)1274 691111
Fax: +44 (0)1274 604764
http://www.yorkshirewater.com/
Appendix 10
Other Useful
Websites
Appendix 11
Application
Forms
Office of Gas and Electricity Markets:

OFGEM or visit www.ofgem.gov.uk
Please click on the links below to

take you to the relevant companies'
application form. Some can be
completed online, although you may
need to register, or downloaded
and returned by post or email. All
companies are required to advise
on competition in connections and
give advise of alternative providers
of contestable works. The contacts
of IGT and IDNO can be found in
Appendix 7 and 8, Statutory Water
companies in Appendix 9 and
independent connection providers
through links in Appendix 10.
Water Services Regulation Authority:

OFWAT or visit www.ofwat.gov.uk
Lloyds Register: LR or visit
Gas Utility Infrastructure Providers
or visit www.sbgi.org.uk
Members of Society of British Water
and Waste Water Industries or visit
www.sbwwi.co.uk
Energy Networks Association or visit
http://2010.energynetworks.org
Competition in providing new water
mains and services: Guidance
Document or visit www.ofwat.gov.uk/
consumerissues/selflay/gud_pro_
compnewmainpipes.pdf
Gas Distribution
Networks
National Grid Applications or visit
www.nationalgrid.com
Northern Gas Networks
Application Form or visit www.
northerngasnetworks.co.uk
Scotia Gas Networks Application
Form or visit www.sgn.co.uk for both
Scotland Gas Networks and Southern
Gas Networks Wales and West
Utilities Application Form or visit
www.wwutilities.co.uk
This list is intended for the statutory

electricity and gas providers.
Incumbent
Distribution
Networks Operators
Central Networks Application Form
or visit www.eon-uk.com
CE Electric Application Forms or visit
www.ce-electricuk.com
Electricity North West Application
Form or visit www.enwl.co.uk
Scottish and Southern Application
Form or visit www.ssepd.co.uk
Scottish Power note that
customers are requested to
telephone or write to the company.
There is no application form on the
web site.
UK Power Networks Application Form
or visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Western Power Distribution
Application Form or visit www.
westernpower.co.uk
37
Appendix 12
Glossary of
Terms
38
CIR
- Connections Industry Review
CSEP
- Connected System Exit Point
DNO
- Distribution Network Operator
DPCR5
- Distribution Price Control Review period 5
DUoS
- Distribution Use of System
ENA
- Energy Networks Association
HBF
- Home Builders Federation
GDN
- Gas Distribution Network
GEMA
- Gas and Electricity Markets Authority
GIRS
- Gas Industry Registration Scheme
ICP
- Independent Connections Provider (as in electricity)
IDNO
- Independent Distribution Network Operator
IGT
- Independent Gas Transporter
INSET
- A water service provider other than the incumbent water service provider
LR
- Lloyds Register
MURS
- Multi Utility Registration Scheme
NERS
- National Electricity Registration Scheme
NFB
- National federation of Builders
OFGEM
- Office of Gas and Electricity Markets
OFWAT
- Water Services Regulation Authority
SBWWI
- Society of British Water and Wastewater Industry
SBGI
- Society of British Gas Industry
SLO
- Self Lay Organisation (as in water)
UIP
- Utility Infrastructure Provider (as in gas)
WIRS
- Water Industry Registration Scheme
Acknowledgements
Special thanks go to Andre Gibbs (Argent Group plc) for chairing
the BPF group that produced this guide and to Chris Trew and
David Clare (both of Davis Langdon) for their extensive input.
Contributions from Neil Pennell (Land Securities) and Angus
Evers (S.J. Berwin) were also appreciated. Secretarial support
was provided by Michael Chambers and Patrick Brown
The guide was produced at the BPFs Construction Committee
(chaired by Alan Atkinson of Prupim)
Submitted by:
Davis Langdon Utilities Team
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6QS
Tel: +44 (0)20 7061 7000
39
DL 20752 (03/11) / Designed in-house by EME Business Development
Program, Cost, Consultancy
www.davislangdon.com
www.aecom.com
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Getting Connected

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

Introduction and Scope

01 Competition: Contestable and Non-contestable work

Key Issues for Developers

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

As a result, connection performance

We hope that this guide will give

Purpose and scope

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

Lack of competition: Competition

date, may fail to carry out the work

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

Until recently, utility companies were

to retain market share. The gas

Whilst competition has taken off in

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

standards were underpinned with

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

(A) Connection sourced from

Once the assets are installed the

(B) Using an Independent

For gas these are more commonly

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

are no longer allowed to subsidise

(C) Using an Independent

The ICP may be an affiliate of the

Where an independent contractor

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

The industry took the view that

SLOs include developers which can

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

The key stages of the process are:

The notification is only issued after

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

Poor communication, particularly by

One company has estimated that

Carrying out a feasibility study

If the developers proposal is

Allowing for complexity in

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

the host may have no knowledge of

The connection offer

In extreme circumstances, it may be

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

customer. This rule applies for a

Charges for assessment and design

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

Following determination of a dispute,

Incumbents are expected to follow

The Gas Act provides a process for

Pending the determination of a

Pending the determination of a

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

The degree to which competition

Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, getting connected

More detailed definitions of