Our use of cookies How to get a new business electricity connection
Getting a new business electricity connection is not the same as switching suppliers. If you are moving into new premises or connecting electricity to a commercial site for the first time, the process usually involves both the local electricity grid operator and a business electricity supplier.
The steps, timescales, and costs can vary depending on the property, location, and power requirements. This guide explains how to get a new business electricity connection, who is involved, and what you need to do to get electricity connected to your premises quickly.
When does a business need a new electricity connection?
A business typically needs a new electricity connection when there is no existing supply in place, or when the current supply cannot support the power requirements of the property.
Common scenarios include:
New commercial property under construction
Where a commercial building is being developed from scratch, a new business electricity connection is required to bring power to the site for the first time. This includes newly built offices, retail units, industrial sites, and mixed-use developments where no electricity supply currently exists.
Industrial units and warehouses
Industrial units and warehouses often require higher-capacity electricity supplies to support new machinery, production equipment, or specialist systems. If the existing supply is insufficient, a new or upgraded electricity connection may be needed to meet demand.
Installing EV chargers
Adding electric vehicle chargers can significantly increase electricity demand at a site. Many commercial properties require a higher capacity electricity connection to support EV charging infrastructure, particularly where multiple chargers are installed or rapid charging is planned.
Who is involved in a new commercial electricity connection?
A new business electricity connection involves several organisations, each responsible for a different stage of the process. While this can sound complex, each party only becomes involved at specific points.
These roles are explained in more detail within the step by step process below.
Distribution Network Operator (DNO)
The DNO owns and manages the local electricity network. They are responsible for approving the import and export capacity of any new business electricity connection, ensuring the network can support the level of electricity being drawn from or exported to the grid.
The DNO can also carry out the physical connection works. However, in many cases, these works are delivered by an Independent Connection Provider who can offer a cheaper and faster new connection.w
Independent Connection Provider (ICP)
An ICP is an alternative to the DNO for carrying out connection work. They can design and install parts of a new electricity connection.
Electricity supplier
The business energy supplier provides an initial business electricity contract once the supply is live. A supplier cannot activate a new business electricity supply until a meter has been installed.
Meter Operator (MOP)
The Meter Operator installs and maintains the electricity meter at the premises. They are usually appointed by the electricity supplier.
The step-by-step process for a new business electricity connection
Below is the typical process for getting a new business electricity connection, from initial checks through to your electricity supply going live.
This step-by-step guide is based on a connection being delivered directly by the local Distribution Network Operator, but the process follows the same steps when using an Independent Connection Provider.
1. Initial site assessment
The first step is confirming whether an electricity supply already exists and whether a new business electricity connection is required. This involves checking the site location, access, and any existing infrastructure.
If the premises has been used before, reviewing recent business energy bills can help identify the maximum import capacity of the current connection.
Typical timescale: 2 to 7 days
2. Load requirement calculation (kVA)
Electricity demand is assessed to determine the capacity requirements for the electricity supply. This is based on expected business energy consumption and peak usage, often referred to as maximum demand.
This step also helps determine whether the connection may require specialist metering, such as a half-hourly meter, required at higher demand sites.
Typical timescale: 2 to 10 days
3. Early supplier selection and advice
Appointing a business electricity supplier early can help avoid delays later in the process. Some suppliers can assist with coordinating metering, appointing a meter operator, and advising on connection requirements.
At this stage, you are not activating supply, but aligning the supplier ready for installation and contract setup.
Typical timescale: 1 to 2 weeks
4. Connection application submission
An application for a new commercial electricity connection is submitted to the local distribution network operator. This includes site plans, load requirements, and details of how the premises will be used.
As the application progresses, the supply will be allocated an MPAN, which uniquely identifies the new electricity connection.
Typical timescale: Submit in 1 day, then allow 2 to 4 weeks for review
5. Network design and quotation
The network operator designs the electricity connection and issues a formal quotation. This sets out how the connection will be delivered, the capacity provided, and any work required to support the agreed maximum demand.
The quote also includes estimated timescales for completing the connection works.
Typical timescale: 2 to 6 weeks
6. Payment and acceptance
Once the quotation is accepted, payment is required before any physical work can begin.
Typical timescale: Same day to 1 week (depends on approvals)
7. Network works and cabling
This is the construction phase where the electricity connection is installed. It typically involves the excavation of trenches to lay new cabling to the premises.
Once completed, the site is ready for metering and supply activation.
Typical timescale: 4 to 12+ weeks (longer if reinforcement is needed)
8. Meter installation
A business energy meter is installed so the electricity supply can go live. Depending on usage and billing requirements, this may be a smart business energy meter or a half-hour meter.
Meter installation is required before any electricity can be supplied to the premises.
Typical timescale: 1 to 3 weeks
9. Supplier contract activation
The final step is activating the electricity supply with a business energy supplier.
If the premises previously had an active supply, this may also involve switching business energy supplier as part of setting up the new contract.
Typical timescale: 1 to 5 working days after metering
Total timescales for a new business electricity connection
The total time it takes to get a new business electricity connection depends on the size of the supply, the location of the premises, and whether any network reinforcement is required.
In most cases, the process takes between 8 and 20 weeks from initial assessment to the electricity supply going live.
As a general guide:
- Smaller commercial premises with straightforward access: Around 8 to 12 weeks
- Sites requiring higher capacity or specialist metering: Around 12 to 16 weeks
- Larger or more complex connections requiring network reinforcement: 16 to 20+ weeks
Common delays with new business electricity connections
Delays are most commonly caused by:
- Underestimating electricity demand at the outset
- Late acceptance or payment of network quotations
- Network reinforcement requirements
- Planning permission or wayleave issues
- Late appointment of a supplier or meter operator
Starting the process early and providing accurate load information helps reduce delays.
Business electricity connection – FAQs
Below, our experts answer your most commonly asked questions about business electricity connections.
What is network reinforcement, and when is it required?
Network reinforcement is required when the existing electricity network cannot support the level of power a business needs. This can include upgrading cables, substations, or other network equipment to handle higher demand.
Reinforcement is most commonly needed for sites with high electricity usage, large machinery, EV chargers, or heat pump systems. Where reinforcement is required, connection costs and timescales are usually higher.
What temporary construction will occur with a new electricity connection?
Most new business electricity connections involve some temporary construction work. This can include excavation for cabling, temporary fencing, traffic management, or short-term access restrictions around the site.
The extent of the work depends on how far the premises is from the existing electricity network and whether public land needs to be accessed.
What happens after the electricity connection is live?
Once the electricity connection is live, the premises is fully energised and electricity usage begins to be recorded by the installed meter. The business electricity supplier then starts billing based on actual consumption.
At this point, the connection is considered complete, and the focus moves to managing usage, costs, and future requirements.
Can I choose my DNO?
No. The Distribution Network Operator is determined by the geographic location of the premises. Businesses cannot choose which DNO serves their site.
However, in many cases you can choose whether the connection works are delivered by the DNO directly or through an Independent Connection Provider.
What if my business grows?
If your business grows and electricity demand increases, the existing connection may no longer be sufficient. This could trigger the need for an upgraded electricity supply or additional network capacity.
Planning for future growth during the initial connection can help avoid disruption later.
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