What does applying for a new connection involve?
This page focuses only on connecting a new property, non-domestic electric vehicle chargers, or large generation onto our live network.
For anything else, refer to our services page.
The process step by step
The steps below provide a summary of a fuller metyhodology document available here: Connection Charging Methodology Statement.
Note that we will assess your request based on our network, as well as the upstream network. This means that in order to process your request, we may have to apply ourselves with an other network. This comes with its own deadlines and costs that will be reflected in the Connection Offer expenses (also know as A&D – Assessment and Design) fees, and the Connection offer we issue to you.
1. Customer applies to UKPD
Find the right form on our services page.
Make sure you also provide a Letter of Authority AND a site map.
2. UKPD issues ‘Connect Offer expenses’ fees
When you make an application for connection, we may charge you for the time spend preparing the offer for connection in accordance with the Electricity (Connection Offer Expenses) Regulations 2018.
Connection Offer expenses (also referred to as Assessment and Design fees) are standard practice and will depend on the A&D fees charged by the host DNO. Full details of their fees are to be found in their respective Connection Charging methodology.
You also have the right under section 23 of the Electricity Act 1989 to refer the matter to the Authority for determination.
3. Customer rejects or accepts the ‘Connection Offer expenses’ fees
If we do not receive written confirmation within five or ten (depending on the host DNO) working days of the date of the first notice that you do not wish to proceed with your application, you will be required to pay the Assessment and Design fees, irrespective of whether you accept the offer or cancel your application.
4. UKPD issues invoice for ‘Connection Offer expenses’ (for some host DNOs only)
Because of the payment terms of some host DNOs, we are unable to proceed with the Connection offer until the fees are paid in full.
5. Customer pays the ‘Customer Offer expenses’ (for some host DNOs only)
Because of the payment terms of some host DNOs, we are unable to proceed with the Connection offer until the fees are paid in full.
6. UKPD issues a Connection offer
Following a technical assessment of our network, we will issue our offer.
Our offer is a letter and general Terms and Conditions that can be found at the bottom of this page. Make sure you read through it.
7. Customer rejects or accepts the connection offer
You need to accept the offer before the expiry date stated in the letter.
Even if you reject our Connection offer, the ‘Connection Offer expenses’ incurred may be due.
8. UKPD issues the invoices for the Connections work and the ‘offer expenses’ (for other host DNOs)
If the customer accepts our Connection offer, some of our offers come with a cost.
9. Customer pays the invoice
Payments are due before any work can start.
Bank details feature on the Acceptance form.
10. Works, or works scheduling, start
UK Power Distribution will then contact you or the ICP as appropriate to discuss the works and agree on a programme of work for them to be carried out.
For POC offers, the ICP will need to submit their design for appoval.
How long will it take?
Connection services are covered by a range of overall standards. A summary of these standard is provided below, and a full list is available here.
Note, that is it not always possible to meet those standars if delays outside of our control occur (incomplete application, delays from the upstream network, etc…) .
| Full quote standards | |
|---|---|
| Provision of a quote for a single LV single phase service connection – demand | 5 working days |
| Provision of a quote for up to 4 LV connections – demand | 15 working days |
| Provision of any other LV demand quotation | 25 working days |
| Provision of an HV demand quotation (Typical large business connection (HV)) | 35 days |
| Provision of an EHV demand quotation | 65 days |
| Contact Customer (post acceptance) about scheduling | from 7 to 15 working days |
| Commence LV, HV & EHV demand works on Customer’s site | In timescale agreed with the Customer |
| POC standards | |
|---|---|
| Provision of quotations for low voltage demand | 15 working days |
| Provision of quotations for high voltage demand | 20 working days |
| Provision of quotations for extra high voltage demand | 50 working days |
| Provision of quotations not covered by the categories above (other connections) | 65 working days |
| Provision of POC information for new extra high voltage connections | 30 working days |
| Issuing a written response to design submissions for low voltage and high voltage connections | 10 working days |
| Issuing a written response to design submissions for extra high voltage and other connections | 20 working days |
| Completion of final works for low voltage connection | 10 working days of receiving the request |
| Completion of final works for high voltage connections | 20 working days of receiving the request |
| Issuing dates for completion of final works for extra high voltage connections | 20 working days of receiving the request |
| Full quote standards | |
|---|---|
| Provision of an LV generation Quotation | 45 Working Days |
| Provision of an HV generation Quotation | 65 Working Days |
| Provision of an EHV generation Quotation | 65 Working Days |
| Contact Customer (post acceptance) about scheduling | from 7 to 15 working days |
| Commence LV, HV & EHV demand works on Customer’s site | In timescale agreed with the Customer |
| POC standards | |
|---|---|
| Provision of quotations for low voltage generation | 30 working days |
| rovision of quotations for high voltage generation | 50 working days |
| Completion of final works for low voltage connection | 10 working days of receiving the request |
| Completion of final works for high voltage connections | 20 working days of receiving the request |
| Issuing dates for completion of final works for extra high voltage connections | 20 working days of receiving the request |
Terms and Conditions
The General Terms and Conditions can be accessed here:
- Valid on offers issues from 22nd December 2025: consult here.
