07/06/2022
Is your utility installation process a bit of a nightmare? Is it filled with stressful conversations, expensive setbacks and disappointing schedules?
Here are 5 ways in which YOU can upgrade your utility installation process to make it work for your budget, timeframe and sanity:
✅ 1. GET ORGANISED WITH THE OUTCOME
By this we mean, be clear on what you expect the outcome to look like. How much are you willing to pay? How long will each stage take (procurement, quotations, fee agreements etc). What is the completion date? What tools do you need? Who can help when you get stuck? Are there diversions, alterations or disconnections needed? S278 works?
This step makes sure that when you begin negotiating with the utility providers, you know exactly what the project needs. This ensures the networks adhere to YOUR schedule and not make up their own.
✅ 2. IDENTIFY THE POINT OF CONNECTION FOR EACH UTILITY
This can be done via applications to your current utility distribution network operators (DNO).
Once a POC has been established for each utility needed then you can create a utility design based on the nearest available main and the layout of your site. This outlines where the incoming utilities will be laid onsite and how it will work.
✅ 3. SHOP AROUND
So now is the time to approach Utility Networks to get new connection quotations. This can be done via DNOs, IDNOs or ICP (more on this later).
Each DNO or IDNO have their own set of costs, timescales for the quotations to be back with you and timescale on getting the work complete. Some providers work on a single utility basis but others could price you on multiple utilities.
The key thing here to remember is to ALWAYS NEGOTIATE. Don't take 1 price as gospel. Don't take 1 set of timescales as gospel.
REMEMBER IT HAS TO FIT IN WITH YOUR EXPECTATIONS & TIMEFRAMES.
✅ 4. HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS
Whether you have chosen to go to a DNO, IDNO or ICP on a multiple or single utility basis you will want to be holding regular utility meetings.
If there are multiple providers involved (which is highly likely) then you will want to ensure they are communicating with each other through you.
Orchestrate the utilities to be completed together to minimise the time they are onsite disrupting other works. You will also want to involve the local highways in these meetings too to ensure they are in agreement and have issued work permits.
✅ 5. HIRE A SPECIALIST
Really simple step. Hire a Utility Specialist. We just so happen to know one.... US.
Look we are specialists at what we do because we do it everyday. We have seen all kinds of problems, site delays and concerns BUT we have also offered solutions for each and every one of these.
We can do the same for you. So you can relax and enjoy the process
So if you would like to get a handle on your utility installations contact us for a free chat:
☎️ 0844 335 0013
📧 [email protected]
✉️ Comment UTILITY or DM
We look forward to working with ✅