One of the most common frustrations on commercial developments is the time it takes to secure an electricity connection.
From a developer’s point of view, it can feel like the process takes far longer than it should. After all, once the route is agreed, installing a cable and a substation doesn’t seem like it should take months — sometimes years — to deliver.
In reality, the physical installation is often the quickest part of the entire process. The majority of the time is spent on design, approvals, legal processes, and coordinating work on or near the existing electricity network.
Understanding where the time goes can help developers plan projects more effectively and avoid unexpected delays.
Network Capacity and Reinforcement
Before a new connection can be approved, the network operator must confirm that there is enough capacity on the local electricity network to supply the development.
If there isn’t, reinforcement works may be required. This could include
- Upgrading existing cables
- Installing new switchgear
- Upgrading a distribution substation
- In some cases, upgrading a primary substation
Reinforcement works can add significant time to a project, particularly where major equipment is required or where works are needed within existing substations.
This is often the single biggest reason for long connection times on larger developments.
We explore this in more detail in our article on the LV to HV tipping point on commercial developments.
Choosing the Point of Connection
A new development cannot simply connect to the nearest cable in the street. The network operator must determine the most appropriate point on the network to make the connection.
This involves network studies and load assessments to determine:
- Whether the network can support the additional demand
- Which part of the network should be used
- Whether network upgrades are required
This process alone can take several weeks or months, particularly for larger connections.
You can read more about this in our article on choosing the right Point of Connection for a commercial electricity connection.
Legal Consents and Land Rights
In many cases, new electricity cables need to cross land that is not owned by the developer.
This means legal rights must be secured to install and maintain the cables. This may include:
- Wayleaves
- Easements
- Land rights for substations
Legal processes can take a long time, particularly if multiple landowners are involved. These processes often run alongside design work but can still impact the overall programme.
Highway Permits and Traffic Management
If cables need to be installed in the public highway, permits are required from the local authority before any excavation can begin.
Depending on the location, this may involve:
- Road opening permits
- Traffic management plans
- Lane closures
- Working restrictions (for example, no roadworks during peak hours)
In busy urban areas, permit approvals and traffic management requirements can significantly affect the construction programme.
Design Approvals and Equipment Lead Times
Electricity connections often require equipment such as:
- Transformers
- Switchgear
- Ring Main Units (RMUs)
- Metering equipment
Some of this equipment can have long lead times, particularly larger transformers and switchgear.
In addition, substations and electrical infrastructure must be designed and approved before construction can begin, which adds further time to the process.
DNO and ICP Responsibilities
Most electricity connections involve both the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and an Independent Connection Provider (ICP).
Typically:
- The ICP delivers the new cables, substations, and associated infrastructure
- The DNO carries out works on the existing network and completes the final connection and energisation
Because multiple parties are involved, coordination is required to ensure works are completed in the correct order, which can also affect timescales.
The split between who delivers each part of the connection is explained further in our guide to contestable vs non-contestable works in electricity connections.
How Developers Can Reduce Delays
While some elements of the process are outside of a developer’s control, there are several ways delays can be reduced:
- Assess electricity load requirements early
- Engage with the network operator early in the design process
- Consider Point of Connection options early
- Plan cable routes before site layouts are fixed
- Allow sufficient time in the programme for network approvals and legal processes
Electricity connections are often left too late in the development programme, which can lead to delays when unexpected network constraints or reinforcement requirements are discovered.
Final Thoughts
Electricity connections take time not because of the physical installation work, but because of the planning, design, approvals, and legal processes that must take place before construction can begin.
Understanding this process early in a project can make a significant difference to programme certainty and overall project costs.
For many developers, early advice and coordination with network operators can help identify risks and develop the most efficient connection strategy before construction begins.
About the author
Andy Shadwick is a utility connections consultant specialising in commercial and industrial electricity connections across the UK. He works with developers, consultants and contractors to plan and deliver new electric connections, helping projects avoid delays, unnecessary cost and long-term capacity constraints.
