Power
Following the privatisation of the electricity industry in the early 1990's, the industry regulator, OFGEM, stated that all electrical new connection work would become contestable. Up until this point a customer requiring a new supply had to apply to the host electricity company (now known as DNO's). Now customers can contract this work to any of the accredited contractors. These contractors are known as Independent Connection Providers (ICP's). The connection can be a single 230V supply to a house, multiple connections to a housing or commercial development, right up to a 132kV connection to a large industrial complex or windfarm.
In order to arrange a new electricity connection to a property, there are certain activities (known as non-contestable items) that need to be carried out by the licensed distribution operator and others (known as contestable items) where any suitably qualified contractor can do the work. Broadly speaking, cable laying, jointing and plant installation are contestable items that can be carried out by a contractor who is accredited and approved by Lloyds Register. Point of connection determination, design approval, statutory consents, quality assurance and final connection are non-contestable.
- New connections: Under performing utilities cause contractors a major problem; 89.5% of site experience difficulties
- 60% of electricity, 40% of water and gas, and 20% of telecomms connections experience problems
- Poor communication, excessive delays to obtain quotations and conclude transactions and non-adherence to installation programmes
- 50% of sites experience delays and 31% incur financial losses
Conexu has developed close multi-level working relationships at each of the relevant Utility companies and with their primary sub-contractors in order to ensure we receive appropriate responses to all our requests. We have also forged operational partnerships with a select group of utility providers who are prepared to work with us to a "Customer First" ethos.