Gas, leccy and water changes. Who does what these days?

[Bob Minchin]

I'm in process of buying a house to split into flats.

Currently there is a water meter in the street, and a gas and leccy meter inside the house.

I'll need to get these supplies split and extra meters fitted to serve the upstairs flat.

So who does what in these days of de-regulated utilities?

Water board should be simpler as there is no competition but what about Gas and leccy? I could opt for smart meters which possibly (?) does away with the need for ugly external meter cabinets (1930s style house not fitted with cabinets. I'll need to get qualified fitters in to do gas and wiring but can they fit meters and liaise with the suppliers or how does it work please.

TIA Bob

[spuorgelgoog]

For electricity you contact your DNO (distribition network operator)

Each will have their own requirements, which are usually online, eg

Some of the work can be done only by the DNO; for some you can also use an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) or an Independent Network Operator (IDNO).

Once you have your connection, your chosen energy supplier(s) will supply and fit meter(s), for which there may be additional charges.

Owain

[Scott]

Is it not a case of asking for a supply and leaving the supplier to sort it out?

[Brian Gaff]

The companies do it. That at least is what happened to a local house now in multiple occupation. It can also get problematical in places where students have their own rooms but share maybe a lounge or kitchen. A nightmare in the making. Brian

[Scott]

Is there a statutory duty to supply? Does that apply to all energy suppliers, to the 'big six' or only to the 'legacy' supplier / DNO (distribution network operator)?

[tabbypurr]

No nightmare involved of course. Not in providing them suitably charged power anyway.

NT

[Dave Liquorice]

If Electricity North West are anything to go by no. I'd love to get our meters tidied up and one lifted a foot or so to enable a near full height door to be fitted. ENW want plans, and (in theory)(*) compliance with either the regs or their rules about meter placement. rather than simply send someone out to see the situation and come to a compromise.

Also bear in mind that the DNO is only responsible for the supply cable, main cutout and MET. The tails from cutout to meter and the meter is the responsibilty of who ever you pay for electricity. I got the impression that ENW would not liase with that company so it would be up to me to arrange things so it all happened on the same day.

(*) In theory 'cause to put an external meter cupboard on the front of the property not behind a gate would require them either planting a few more poles to get the 11 kV from the back to the front or find an acceptable way to get the 240 V over or round the house. As that is their cost that wasn't going to happen... Eventaully managed to get some one to come out and the pragmatic approach was taken, along with an estimated cost of £1000, needless to say it hasn't happend... very tempted to just pull the fuse on the pole and DIY it. B-)

[Bob Minchin]

Thanks Owain, I expect gas will work similarly