Landlords meter & UKPN

francohoops

Hi

We need to install a landlords meter in a property that we rent out. It is to cover the electricity for the communal hallway. Currently the electricity for this area is charged to one of the flats and we have been covering the cost each month. The Housing Association that we rent to will no longer accept that arrangement.

We contacted the energy provider and requested a meter is installed. We were advised that UKPN would need to issue a MPAN.

We provided photos and detail of the existing kit to UKPN who raised a few issues. They flagged that the supply is also covering the neighbours property and that the current kit is so old that it would not be safe to make any alterations. As long as the kit is not touched it is fine, it could become unstable if altered.

We were then advised to install a new supply. As per the quote -

·      Installation of a new 3PH 100A service. Disconnection/removal of the existing service.

UKPN quote c£10k for the works. They will provide a supply to both our property and the neighbours and we will then be able to install a landlords meter. UKPN will only do so much of the work. We have major issues in finding an electrician who can do our share of the works which include the following –

Job Specific Responsibilities Subject Link to our Knowledge Library On-site trenches and cable route Section 3.1 Click here Ducts Section 3.2 Click here Services to flats Section 3.4 Click here Building Network Operator responsibilities Section 3.5 Click here Landlord’s connections Section 3.8 Click here Generic Responsibilities Applicable to all Quotes Subject Link to our Knowledge Library Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)
 Section 3.25 Click here Appoint an electricity supplier Section 3.26 Click here Works to be undertaken by the ICP/IDNO if UK Power Networks is undertaking the noncontestable Works only Section 3.27 Click here Land rights for option B or C - where UK Power Networks is undertaking the noncontestable Works only Section 3.28 Click her

We’ve been speaking to electricians who have given us different views. Some say that the work is not needed whilst others are so busy that they are not interested. This has been going on for nearly 6 months. Most say you need to speak to the energy company. 

UKPN are adamant this is the only way that we can install a separate landlords meter in the property.

Is there any advice someone can give on this issue? If it needs doing then fine, but where would we find someone prepared to take on our share of the works as most small electricians are equipped to start digging trenches etc. 

Many thanks for any advice

F

Robin9

Can you post the photos?

What is the heating in both?

francohoops

Hi. See below

francohoops

Next ones 

francohoops

And another 

francohoops

And another 

francohoops

Heating is gas combi boilers 

Ectophile

If the old crumbling wiring went bang one day, then UKPN would have to pay for all the replacement themselves.  But they don't want to do that.  Instead, you asking for an additional supply gives them an opportunity to say that the existing supply won't take any more load, so the person requesting the change can pay for the supply reinforcement.  There's not a lot you can do to push back on that.

Unless you can do something completely different.  For example, get a small feeder pillar installed by the roadside, and get a brand new supply to that only.  Then pay an electrician to run an armoured cable to the building.  If it's a landlord's supply, the power requirements might be very modest.

francohoops

Thanks. My understanding is that UKPN issue MPAN numbers and without that we can’t install a meter. Is that correct? 

Robin9

Thanks for the photos.

Do you think the service cable cutout - the one labelled Siemens 2637 - is plastic or metal ?  (just tap it gently) I think it may be metal.

francohoops

Hi. It’s metal I think