Thinking of building your own property? You’ll need the help of a reliable local electrician to get your property connected to the energy grid!

The Importance of Qualified Electricians When Setting Up Electricity in a Self-Build

As an official distributor of the world’s most trusted electrical testing equipment to the trade, we know a thing or two about working with electricians. We know how their skills, expertise and versatility can transform a home or business premises. How they can make your wiring infrastructure safer and more energy-efficient. How they can help with all kinds of installations and testing to ensure that your electrical setup is as safe, efficient and fit for purpose as possible.

If you’re thinking of self-building, it goes without saying that you’ll be heavily reliant on the right electrical contractors to set up your project’s wiring infrastructure and install your lighting, heating, power outlets and appliances. You’ll also rely on their testing and inspection services for years to come to make sure your property is safe and compliant. But what about when you want to set up a new connection to the national grid? A qualified electrician can help you to do this in the most cost-effective way possible.

Can I set up my own connection to the grid?

No. Setting up your own connection to the national grid is extremely dangerous. It’s also, in fact, illegal. The only way to connect to the grid when setting up gas and electricity in a new build is to go through your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and Gas Transporter. These are the companies responsible for maintaining and upgrading the electricity and gas grids in your area, and managing new connections.

Once you’ve applied to your DNO or gas transporter to make a new connection, they will arrange a site visit after which they will provide a quote for all work to be carried out.

How much does it cost to connect to the grid?

The cost of a new connection depends on a number of factors including the size of the property, the proposed location of your meter, and whether you’ll be digging the trenches for the laying of cables yourself. Planning permissions may also be needed if the work encroaches on public roads.

New connections can range between £6,000 and £10,000. However, if you have a good relationship with a qualified electrician in your area, they may be able to help you save money.

How a qualified electrician can help

Some of the work that goes into a new connection can only be carried out by your DNO. But there is some of it that can be carried out by a local electrician.

After your DNO conducts your site visit, ask them to break their quote down into both contestable and non-contestable work. If you know a local electrician that is also an Independent Connections Provider (ICP), they may be able to carry out some of the work like laying cables, and installing substations and other necessary equipment. This may save you money without slowing down the process of connection.

Your DNO and ICP will work in tandem with one another to ensure that your connection is established as quickly and frictionlessly as possible.