A guide to independent utility connections for … Energetics... · Independent utility connections...
Transcript of A guide to independent utility connections for … Energetics... · Independent utility connections...
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GlossaryContestable work: Utilities connection work that is open to
competition, including design and construction of networks (i.e.
cable laying, construction of switchgear and transformers) and
associated civil engineering.
Distribution network: Takes electricity or gas from the
transmission network (having converted it into lower voltages
or pressures) and carries it to homes and businesses.
Distribution Network Operator (DNO): A statutory utility
company that owns and operates a regional electricity network.
Energy supplier: A company that buys electricity or gas on the
wholesale market and sells it to customers.
Gas Distribution Network Operator (GDNO): A statutory utility
company that owns and operates a regional gas network.
Gas Industry Registration Scheme (GIRS): The Lloyd’s Register
Group accreditation scheme for Independent Connection
Providers designing and building new gas networks.
Independent Connection Provider (ICP): An independent
company that designs and builds electricity utility networks for
new developments.
Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO): An
independent company that owns and operates local electricity
networks, earning revenue through distribution charges as part
of end-users’ utility bills.
Independent Gas Transporter (IGT): An independent company
that owns and operates local gas networks, earning revenue
through transportation charges as part of end-users’ utility bills.
Multi-utilities connection provider: An independent company
that designs and builds networks for more than one utility,
often as part of the same contract.
National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS): The
Lloyd’s Register Group accreditation scheme for Independent
Connection Providers designing and building new electricity
networks.
Non-contestable work: Work not open to competition, that
must be carried out by the host statutory utility company. This
includes network reinforcement, final connection to the mains
network and approvals and inspections of contestable work.
Ofgem: The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets regulates the
gas and electricity networks and the competitive markets in
gas and electricity supply and retail.
Point of connection (POC): Where a new local utility network
joins to the main (regional) network.
Transmission network: Carries high voltage electricity (up to
400kV) or high pressure gas (up to 85bar) over long distances
from power stations and gas terminals.
Utility Infrastructure Provider (UIP): An independent
company that designs and builds gas utility networks for new
developments.
Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS):The Lloyd’s
Register Group accreditation scheme for Independent
Connection Providers designing and building new
water networks.
An introduction to utility connectionsElectricity and gas connectionsIn the UK, electricity and gas is supplied via transmission
and distribution networks. Transmission networks
carry high voltage electricity (at 400kV) and gas (at up
to 85bar), across long distances, from generators (i.e.
power stations and gas terminals). Distribution networks
take electricity and gas from the transmission network
and, having converted it into lower voltages or pressures,
carry it to homes and businesses. Consumers pay for
their energy through a number of different suppliers,
which purchase electricity or gas on the wholesale
market.
Privatisation of the UK gas and electricity markets in
the 1980s, followed by the introduction of competition in
both supply and connections in the late 1990s, aimed to
give consumers and developers more choice, to improve
quality of services and infrastructure and increase value
for money.
Before that time, those wishing to connect a new
residential, commercial or industrial development to
the mains electricity or gas had no choice but to go to
the statutory utility company in the case of electricity,
the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) in that region;
for gas, SGN or National Grid. Customers were often
presented with high fixed prices and there were no
alternative providers with which to compare costs or level
of service.
Deregulation led to the establishment of Independent
Connection Providers (ICPs*) that compete with the
statutory utility companies in designing and building
new local networks and connections (i.e. laying and
connecting pipes and cables and building substations,
termed ‘contestable’ work). Typically, the final connection
to the main electricity, gas and water network is made by
a statutory utility company (‘non-contestable’ work).
ICPs are accredited under three schemes operated by
the Lloyd’s Register Group on behalf of the regulator
Ofgem and the utilities industry: the National Electricity
Registration Scheme (NERS), the Gas Industry
Registration Scheme (GIRS) and the Water Industry
Registration Scheme (WIRS).
Page/4* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
Like statutory utility companies, ICPs must ensure
networks are safe, robust and reliable. Certain ICPs
specialise in one particular utility, while others provide
multi-utility services, coordinating the design and
construction of up to all three main utilities.
The electricity and gas connections market is now worth
an estimated £500M per year. Ofgem estimates that more
than 300,000 individual connections were completed in
2013-14; that more than half of new and modified gas
connections are carried out by ICPs each year; and about
one million consumers are connected to an independent
gas network.
Competition has been slower to take hold in the electricity
sector. Ofgem’s review of the electricity connections
market in October 2014 showed that ICPs delivered just
14% of connections to networks operated by statutory
utility companies in 2010-11. However, this rose to 32% in
2013-14, demonstrating significant market development
over the last ten years.
In fact there are tens of thousands of independent
electricity networks across the UK today, serving
housing, hospitals, offices, data centres, schools,
manufacturing facilities and retail developments. High-
profile developments, including the London Olympic Park,
Birmingham New Street Station and MediaCityUK in
Manchester, use independently designed and built utility
networks.
Networks can be owned and operated either by a
statutory utility company or by Independent Distribution
Network Operators (for electricity) and Independent Gas
Transporters, all of which operate under licences issued
by Ofgem. The operator is responsible for maintaining
the infrastructure (i.e. the pipes, cables and substations)
and providing 24h operational cover, should anything go
wrong.
Network owner/operators earn money via distribution
charges, as part of the occupiers’ utility bills. Ofgem
administers three price control regimes that lay down
what statutory utility companies can charge (based on
certain outputs):
• RIIO-T1: relating to the high voltage transmission
of electricity and high pressure transmission of gas
(covering the period from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2021)
• RIIO-GD1: relating to gas distribution to homes and
businesses (covering the period from 1 April 2013 to
31 March 2021)
• RIIO-ED1: relating to low voltage electricity distribution
to homes and businesses (covering the period from
1 April 2015 until 31 March 2023).
Similarly, Ofgem regulates the amounts independent
operators can charge customers for using their networks
via ‘Relative Price Control’, requiring independent
companies’ charges to be capped at a level broadly
consistent with the statutory utility companies’ charges
for all customers. Compliance is monitored through the
licence conditions and Ofgem can take action if these are
breached.
* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
Water connectionsThe water utility connections market differs from gas
and electricity, as it is not open to true competition.
Developers can choose to have water infrastructure
installed by an ICP under a ‘self-lay’ arrangement but
the infrastructure must be handed to the statutory water
company when it is completed. According to industry
association Fair Water Connections, as of 2015, self-lay
organisations were responsible for at least a fifth of all
water connections.
Many ICPs do not offer water connection services as it
can be bureaucratic, time consuming and, as there is
no revenue to be derived from operating the network,
commercially unattractive. However, some do offer to
install water connections, either as a standalone service
or as part of a multi-utility offering.
Further information
Ofgem’s update on competition in connections market review: issues limiting effective competition (October 2014): https://www.ofgem.gov.uk
Ofgem’s findings of its review of the electricity connections market (January 2015): www.ofgem.gov.uk
More details on Ofgem’s price control regimes:
www.ofgem.gov.uk
Page/6* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
Accreditation and licensing of independent utility connections
Procuring utilities connections through independent
providers has become increasingly common in the
housebuilding sector (more than one million homes use
an independently connected and owned gas network, for
example) and is now the approach of choice for many of
the UK’s national housebuilders.
The work of Independent Distribution Network Operators
(IDNOs) and Independent Gas Transporters (IGTs) is
subject to similar regulations, standards and licensing
as the statutory utility companies. This means their
networks are safe, robust, offer security of supply and,
as far as end-users are concerned, are indistinguishable
from those installed by the statutory utility companies.
In the 15 years since the opening up of the utilities market, Independent Connection Providers and Independent Network Operators have become firmly established as a viable alternative to the ‘default’ option of statutory utility companies for connecting new residential, commercial and industrial developments.
Page/7* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
To ensure ICPs meet the same quality standards as
statutory utility companies, they are accredited under
three schemes operated by the Lloyd’s Register Group on
behalf of Ofgem and the utilities industry: the National
Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS), the Gas Industry
Registration Scheme (GIRS) and the Water Industry
Registration Scheme (WIRS).
The aim of these schemes is to ensure independently
designed and built networks are, in terms of safety and
reliability, indistinguishable from those installed by the
statutory utility companies.
The quality assurance of electricity networks designed
and built by ICPs is provided by the Lloyds Register under
the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS).
Lloyds Register performs technical assessments for the
accreditation of contestable electrical connections work
to ensure network safety and that new connections meet
the required DNO standards.
Similarly, gas networks must be designed and built
by ICPs approved by Lloyd’s Register under the Gas
Infrastructure Registration Scheme (GIRS). Work
must also comply with the Institution of Gas Engineers
and Managers’ standards, as well as the specific
requirements of the adopting company.
Accreditation of independent connection providers
“ Electricity networks must be designed and built by ICPs approved by the Lloyds Register under the National Electricity Registration Scheme.” NERS
* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
IDNOs and IGTs are subject to the same standard Ofgem
licensing conditions as the statutory utility companies.
They must submit an annual statement to demonstrate
their ability (both financially and operationally) to continue
to distribute electricity or gas and have three additional
conditions imposed upon them, mainly to give
financial surety:
Guaranteed delivery standardsIDNOs and IGTs rely on the incumbent DNOs to provide the
Point of Connection onto their networks and the national
grid. It is compulsory for DNOs to complete these works
within prescribed timescales. This guarantee means
IDNOs and IGTs can confidently manage connections to
meet project timescales. IDNOs and IGTs are subject to
the same delivery standards, should an extension to their
networks be requested by a customer.
Distribution chargesNetwork owner/operators, whether they are a statutory
utility company or an independent company, earn money
via distribution charges to the energy suppliers, as part of
the occupiers’ utility bills.
Under their licences, the statutory electricity companies
must review their distribution charges every six months.
This review cycle must be matched by independent
network operators to ensure suppliers pay the same price
for their electricity, regardless of who owns the network.
Emergency coverUnder Ofgem’s licensing conditions, IDNOs and IGTs must
provide 24/7 cover for emergencies, to ensure safety and
security of supply.
Gas: All faults on the gas network are reported through
the National Gas Helpline, with the statutory gas company
making the network safe and the IGT responsible for
repairs (which are either carried out by the IGT or the
statutory gas supplier).
Electricity: IDNOs provide emergency helplines and have
emergency response engineers to deal with faults to their
electricity networks, although some use the statutory
electricity companies’ response teams. Once made safe,
IDNOs are responsible for repairs and reinstatement of
supply, to the same timescales as statutory companies.
Commercial termsStatutory utility companies are not allowed to use their
regulated income to discount new and speculative projects.
However, to encourage competition, Ofgem allows IDNOs
and IGTs to offer different capital funding options (including
lowering the installation costs) by offsetting future
projected revenues generated by the distribution network.
Licencing of independently operated networks
Page/9* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
Further information
National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS): www.lr.org
Gas Industry Registration Scheme (GIRS): www.lr.org
Fact sheet on NERS, GIRS and WIRS: www.lr.org
Energy Networks Association Guide to the UK and Ireland energy
networks 2015: http://www.energynetworks.org
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“ Connecting new homes, businesses and generators to the distribution network is vital to UK economic growth and increased competition in this area is welcome. [The new Competition in Connections Code of Practice] represents a significant step forward in the further development of the competitive connections market.”Energy Networks Association Chief Executive David Smith, October 2015.
* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
The legislative frameworkThe Electricity Act 1989The Electricity Act was the legislation that privatised the
electricity supply industry in the UK, replacing the Central
Electricity Generating Board in England and Wales and
the South of Scotland Electricity Board and the North of
Scotland Hydro-Electric Board in Scotland. The Act also
set up licensing of network operators and established a
regulator, the Office of Electricity Regulation (OFFER).
The Gas Act 1995The Gas Act began the process of introducing competition
in the domestic gas market and also in connections,
with Independent Gas Transporters able to compete
with Transco (part of British Gas) to install networks. It
established the Office of Gas Supply (Ofgas) to regulate
the sector.
The Utilities Act 2000The Utilities Act amended both the Electricity Act and
the Gas Act, introducing separate licences for electricity
supply and distribution, with standard conditions for both,
and amendments to gas licences (which were already
standardised).
The act also established the Gas and Electricity Markets
Authority (GEMA) and the Office of Gas and Electricity
Markets (Ofgem) as regulator (formed by the merger of
Ofgas and OFFER). Ofgem regulates gas and electricity
networks and the competitive markets in gas and
electricity supply and retail. It aims to protect consumer
interests; to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
ensure security of supply.
Page/11* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
The Competition in Connections Code of Practice 2015Ofgem’s 2013 review of the electricity connections market
concluded more could be done to improve efficiency and
competition. It decided the best way to achieve this was
to introduce a licence condition requiring Distribution
Network Operators (DNOs) to comply with a new
Competition in Connections Code of Practice (CiC CoP).
This code was approved in June 2015 and came into force
in November 2015.
The CiC CoP aims to improve competition further
(and deliver better value for money to customers) by
harmonising accreditations and processes across the UK
and giving Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) the
option to take more control of connections from DNOs.
The code of practice covers the entire process of
connecting a customer, from application, through the
determination of the point of connection (where the
independent network joins with the mains network), the
design and approval of that connection, construction of
the network, to final connection and adoption.
ICPs can also choose to determine the point of
connection themselves and approve their own connection
designs (if the business and its designers are accredited).
As the code’s primary objective is to increase competition
in the connections market, Ofgem hopes customers will
benefit from more choice, greater efficiency and better
value for money. Network design processes should be
improved and some connection projects will be faster.
However, the code of practice is still in its infancy
and, as a result, any benefits it brings may not be
immediately realised. Additionally, while the code applies
to all connections, self-determination of the point of
connection and self-design depend upon the type of
load and complexity of the connection. Industrial and
commercial networks can be highly complex, with varying
demands, and the connection process for these projects
will not necessarily be any quicker or cheaper as a result
of the code.
Competition in Connections
How It Works: (Electricity)
New network (shown in Orange)
Final joint to the existing network (shown in Red)
This can be designed and built by a suitably accredited ICP like Energetics
Some ICPs can perform this work. If they are not accredited to do so then the DNO will make the final connection.
There is no impact on
your choice of Energy
Supplier by choosing
an ICP
Exis
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Mai
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‘Landmark’ projects with independent utility networks• London Olympic Stadium and Park, including the
Olympic Park and the Athletes’ Village
• National Indoor Sports Arena and Velodrome (now Sir
Chris Hoy Velodrome)
• Heron Tower, London
• MediaCityUK, Salford
• New Street Station, Birmingham
• M&S Cheshire Oaks, Chester
• Liverpool International Business Park, Liverpool
• Doncaster Inland Port Enabling works, Doncaster
• Silverstone Leisure, Silverstone
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“ Energetics was chosen to deliver this major electrical network for this prestigious project and has become the IDNO for the project following months of hard work and overcoming many complex engineering problems. The strong partnering approach with Bovis Lend Lease has been paramount to the successful delivery.”
John McGrathBuilding Services Director, Bovis Lend Lease
* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
The benefits of multi-utilities for industrial and commercial projects
Fewer ‘touch points’ means clearer communicationAs the entire connection process is managed by one
provider, communication is simplified and improved.
This is particularly beneficial at the outset of a project,
when clear communication is essential to allow the ICP
to: assess project requirements; evaluate design and
build options; and to understand costs and timescales.
The same is true during construction. With a single point
of contact, issues on site can be resolved more quickly
and efficiently.
Central coordination of the legal process mitigates riskLegal work associated with land and access rights
for placing utility infrastructure is a common cause
of considerable delay, as it often involves third party
landowners, solicitors, councils and statutory bodies.
Procuring all three utilities through one provider cuts down
on bureaucracy and paperwork, not least because access
needs only be sought for one construction team. Larger
ICPs also have in-house staff overseeing all legal aspects of
connections. They can work proactively to identify potential
issues, clarify timescales at the start of a project with the
developer and mitigate the risk of unforeseen delays.
Connecting utilities for industrial and commercial developments can be complex and time-consuming, with multiple parties and network connection points involved. Multi-utility connections (gas, electricity and water) are offered as a complete design and build package by a few ICPs, which can help mitigate the risk of delays, resulting in significant time and cost savings.
Page/14* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
Greater control of construction ensures complianceChoosing the multi-utility route means that, often, all
three networks can be laid in the same trench. Some
ICPs have in-house construction teams and, if they
take responsibility for excavations, they can ensure
infrastructure is routed in the most efficient manner and
is compliant with standards and regulations. This a far
more cost-effective approach and, on some projects, can
mean installation is up to six times faster.
Multi-utility connections make financial senseNot only can planning, designing and building gas,
electricity and water infrastructure through one
provider result in significant cost savings – through
shorter construction programmes, price consolidation
and service efficiencies – but also, because IDNOs
and IGTs earn revenue from the networks they adopt,
they have commercial freedom to reduce the capital
cost to developers and clients by offsetting future
value.
Many independent multi-utility providers can also
be far more flexible when it comes to payment
schedules, which is particularly useful on larger
phased developments.
* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWho can install and connect electricity, gas and water supplies?Electricity and gas networks can be installed by
statutory utility companies and Independent Connection
Providers (ICPs). Water infrastructure can be installed
by the statutory water companies or under ‘self-lay’
agreements, where an ICP designs and/or builds the
infrastructure.
Connections to the main electricity, gas and water
networks are typically handled by the statutory utility
company. Under the new Competition in Connections
Code of Practice, introduced in November 2015, some
ICPs can determine the point of connection themselves
and approve their own connection designs (if the business
and its designers are accredited to do so).
What is ‘contestable’ and ‘non-contestable’ work?The majority of the physical work required for new utilities
can be carried out by an ICP or a statutory utility company and
is ‘contestable’ because it is open to competition. Contestable
works include design and construction of a network (cable
laying, jointing etc), installation of substations and associated
civil engineering work.
However, some work is ‘non-contestable’, i.e. it must be
carried out by the host statutory utility company (or one of
its authorised contractors) and normally covers network
reinforcement (any work needed to existing networks to cope
with additional demand from the new development), the final
connection from the development to the main network, plus
approvals and inspections of contestable works.
How are ICPs accredited?ICPs are accredited under three schemes operated by
the Lloyd’s Register Group on behalf of Ofgem and the
utilities industry: the National Electricity Registration
Scheme (NERS), the Gas Industry Registration Scheme
(GIRS) and the Water Industry Registration Scheme
(WIRS).
These nationally-recognised quality accreditations is to
ensure independently designed and built networks are,
in terms of safety and reliability, indistinguishable from
those installed by the statutory utility companies.
They cover project management and the design and
construction of utilities infrastructure. Accreditation lasts
three years, subject to passing rigorous surveillance
audits by Lloyd’s Register Group assessors (companies
are typically subjected to four or five audits per year,
depending on volume of work and staff numbers).
Page/16* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
How do independent utilities connection providers ensure safety, security and robustness of networks?Independently installed electricity and gas networks
must meet the same high standards of quality and safety
as those installed by the statutory utility companies.
Elements of a network installed by an independent
provider are inspected and approved by the statutory
utility company under design approval.
What is a Distribution Network Operator?Formerly known as Regional Electricity Companies,
there are 14 Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) in
the UK. Each of these statutory electricity companies is
responsible for regional distribution networks carrying
electricity from the high voltage transmission grid to
industrial, commercial and domestic users. The DNOs are
natural monopolies and are regulated by Ofgem to protect
consumers from potential abuse of monopoly power.
What is an Independent Distribution Network Operator?Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs)
own, operate and maintain local electricity distribution
networks serving industrial facilities and commercial and
housing developments directly connected to networks
owned and operated by statutory electricity companies.
IDNOs hold licences issued by Ofgem and have the same
obligations and performance standards as statutory
utility companies. They can own and operate electricity
networks anywhere in the UK.
What is a Gas Distribution Network Operator?There are eight gas distribution networks in Great
Britain, owned and managed Gas Distribution Network
Operators (GDNOs). These statutory gas companies are
responsible for regional distribution networks carrying gas
to industrial, commercial and domestic users. The GDNOs
are natural monopolies and are regulated by Ofgem to
protect consumers from potential abuse of monopoly
power.
What is an Independent Gas Transporter?Independent Gas Transporters (IGTs) own, operate
and maintain local gas distribution networks that are
connected to networks owned and operated by statutory
gas companies. IGTs hold licences issued by Ofgem and
have the same obligations and performance standards as
the statutory gas companies.
What happens in the case of an emergency or loss of supply?IDNOs and IGTs have licence obligations in place to
ensure a 24/7 emergency response matching that of
the statutory utility companies. Once the independent
operator is informed of an emergency (either by being
called directly or via the statutory utility company or
energy supplier), it takes action to ensure the network is
made safe and any network fault isolated and rectified as
soon as possible. While electricity network emergencies
can be dealt with by IDNOs, gas emergencies are always
handled by the local GDNO.
* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
What happens if an independent network operator or independent gas transporter ceases trading?Ofgem reports that no IDNO or IGT has ever been made
insolvent but to protect against disruption to supply,
independent operators must submit an annual statement
of resources to demonstrate their ability to continue to
operate electricity or gas networks (both financially
and operationally).
They are also subject to a number of ‘financial ring
fencing’ conditions under their Ofgem licences. In
essence, the IDNO or IGT must operate independently of
any parent company.
The licence conditions provide a mechanism for providing
early warning of any problems and their mitigation. If
an independent operator is in danger of going out of
business, Ofgem will appoint a Special Administrator to
manage operations and ensure the networks continue to
operate normally.
Under Special Administration, the IDNO or IGT continues
to be subject to regulation and its licence conditions.
This ensures there is no impact on those connected
to the network, so networks remain operational and
maintenance and emergency cover is continuous. If the
management can no longer continue to run the business,
it is sold to another IDNO or IGT (or the statutory utility
company) to guarantee on-going operation of the
network.
Ultimately domestic or commercial consumers connected
to the networks are protected as if they were connected
to the statutory DNO or GDNO. This means there is no
impact to supply under Special Administration and Ofgem
ensures that network security is priority.
Page/18* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
Energetics: Independent multi-utility connections for commerce and industryEstablished in 2006, Energetics Networked Energy (Energetics) is a truly-independent multi-utility connection company, offering a range of design and build services for electricity, gas, water and telecommunications, along with ongoing operation and maintenance of electricity and gas networks.
Energetics Design & Build specialises in the design and installation of multi-utility infrastructure for residential, industrial and commercial developments, while Energetics Electricity and Energetics Gas adopt, own and operate electricity and gas networks throughout the UK. Energetics operates from 10 locations across England and Scotland.
Energetics is licensed by Ofgem to own and operate the gas and electricity networks it installs. The company’s engineering teams project manage the design and build process,
from planning to connection, handling all third party interfaces and legal approvals, as well as liaising with landowners over access rights, where necessary.
Energetics has a successful track record working for some of the UK’s leading developers, consultants and contractors on a range of industrial, commercial, retail, public sector and mixed use developments. These include schools, colleges, student accommodation, healthcare, retail and hotels and leisure projects.
Page/19* Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is used for both independent electricity and gas connection providers throughout this guide.
MediaCityUK, SalfordOne of the UK’s largest and most complex utility projects ever undertaken, MediaCityUK presented Energetics with a significant challenge: to deliver a complex and robust electricity infrastructure to supply the mixed-use development, and the new home of the BBC, on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal.
Working for client Peel Holdings, on behalf of main contractor Bovis Lend Lease (now Lend Lease), Energetics built and adopted the 32MVA electrical network, which includes a 32MV primary substation and 36 secondary substations, along with 5km of 33kV cable. Electricity is supplied by a gas-powered tri-generation energy plant providing cooling and heating of buildings using canal water.
Energetics developed innovative solutions to cope with the complexities of this congested inner city site, including: a more compact substation design to maximise valuable real estate; a fully automated back-up system to minimise fault interruption and an ambitious cabling route involving a thrust bore under the Manchester Ship Canal to reduce the amount of cable needed.
“ To deliver a complex and robust electricity infrastructure to supply the mixed-use development, and the new home of the BBC”
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The Rock, BuryThe advantages of the multi-utility connections approach for commercial developments were demonstrated on The Rock, a major retail and leisure scheme built on a former industrial site in Bury town centre near Manchester.
Flagship stores Debenhams and Marks & Spencer had come on board early and, with another 60 retailers, a ten screen cinema and a bowling alley on the site, it was crucial for main contractor Laing O’Rourke to meet developer Thornfield Properties/Hammerson’s opening date.
Utilities were on the critical path. Energetics was involved from the outset, designing, building and adopting the 14MVA electricity network connection, including 1.5km of 33kV cabling, a 23MVA primary substation and two 23MVA transformers, each capable of supporting the full load if required.
Energetics designed the 23MVA primary substation to be incorporated into the building. This freed up valuable retail space and ensured external design and public areas were unaffected. The network was delivered as planned, keeping the programme on track, and Energetics’ approach resulted in savings of £1M on the original project cost.
“ A major retail and leisure scheme built on a former industrial site in Bury”
Energetics Head Office
International House, Hamilton International Technology Park, Stanley Boulevard, Glasgow, G72 0BN
01698 404 949
We have regional offices and depots across the UK:
Central Scotland, East Scotland, North West England, North East England, Midlands, South West England, South East England.
If you would like to learn more about Energetics and how we can help with your next project or require a multi-utilities quote for your next development then please contact us on:
0845 463 6623 [email protected] www.energetics-uk.com
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