New energy connections for UK business

How we manage it

One managed project, one point of contact, five stages. We scope the capacity, tender the contestable works, hold the network and siteworks firms to a single timeline, then place the supply contract so a live meter never sits on a deemed rate.

1. 01

   Scope the capacity and the connection

   We start with the load, decide single or three phase, flag where a substation is likely, and submit the enquiry to your DNO or gas transporter to confirm the point of connection. Getting capacity right here prevents an undersized supply or paying for headroom you never use.

2. 02

   Tender the contestable works

   We take the network quote and run a competitive ICP or UIP tender against it, comparing on price and programme. Where it benefits you, we structure an IDNO or IGT adoption so the asset value offsets the build cost. You see every underlying quote, and the margin we add for managing the connection is shown as a separate line, never buried inside a construction price.

3. 03

   Coordinate the network, the ICP and siteworks

   This is the project-management phase, and the one most likely to slip. We sequence the trenching, ducting and substation works against your build programme, arrange a temporary builders supply where needed, and hold the parties to one timeline with a single point of contact.

4. 04

   Energise the meter and confirm the MPAN or MPRN

   Once the works are complete, the network energises the connection and the supply is registered. We arrange the meter (smart or half-hourly as the load requires) and confirm the technical detail the supplier needs.

5. 05

   Put the supply contract in place

   We tender the new MPAN and MPRN across our 30+ supplier panel and place a contract from the moment it energises, so you start on the right rate. The team that connected you is the team that contracts you, with our commission or fee disclosed.

The connection is only half the job. The other half is the energy you then buy through it, which is where our wider business energy procurement service takes over.

Choose a provider and siteworks firm

Tendering the contestable works means knowing who can do them. Our two directories cover the connection providers and network owners, and the siteworks and civils contractors that put them in the ground, each with the registers to verify their accreditation before you appoint anyone.

New connections: common questions

What is an ICP?

ICP stands for Independent Connection Provider: a company accredited under the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) to design and build new electricity connections in competition with the Distribution Network Operator. ICPs carry out the contestable works (cabling, jointing, ducting, civils, substations), then transfer the finished assets to a DNO or IDNO to own and maintain. Because there are hundreds of accredited ICPs, you can tender the work rather than just accepting the DNO's price.

What is the difference between a DNO and an IDNO?

A DNO owns and operates the regional electricity network and is fixed by your location. An IDNO is an Ofgem-licensed operator that owns and runs smaller, newer networks, typically on new developments. IDNOs often pay a capitalised asset value to adopt a new connection, which can reduce your upfront cost because they recover their investment through ongoing distribution charges.

What is the difference between a gas transporter and an independent gas transporter (IGT)?

Four regional gas transporters own the main network: Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities. Independent gas transporters (IGTs) own smaller networks, usually on newer developments. The transporter approves capacity, lays the pipe to your property and issues your MPRN. An IGT-connected site has an MPRN beginning 74, 75, 76 or 77.

Can I choose my own energy supplier on a new connection?

Yes. The network handles the physical connection, but your supply contract is separate and fully your choice. We tender the new MPAN and MPRN across our 30+ supplier panel and place a competitive contract from the moment the meter energises, so you avoid an expensive deemed or out-of-contract rate.

What is an MPAN and an MPRN?

An MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) uniquely identifies an electricity supply point; an MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) is the gas equivalent. On a new connection the network operator issues the number once the works are complete, ahead of the meter being fitted, and the supplier uses it to set up billing.

Why use a consultancy instead of going direct to the DNO?

Going direct gives you one price and one programme, with no comparison and no advocacy. A connection involves the network, the ICP or IDNO, your siteworks contractor and the supplier, and they do not coordinate themselves. We scope the capacity, run a competitive tender, coordinate the works to your build programme, and place the supply contract at the end, as one managed project with the margins disclosed.

How is Purely Energy paid for managing a connection?

Transparently, with our margin shown as a separate line. For managing the connection we add an uplift, our management margin, to the quote we put together for you, shown on its own rather than buried in a network or construction charge, so you see both what we earn and the underlying competitive prices we tendered. On the ongoing gas and electricity contract we are paid by a commission built into the unit rate (which we state in pence per kWh) or an agreed fee, your choice. Either way every margin is separated, so nothing is hidden.

More answers, sorted by topic, are on our new connections FAQ.