UKPN offering free single phase upgrade but digging same holes for 3 phase is chargeable?

name_user6

We're in a 1905 mid-terrace with the original supply cable from the street. With an ASHP, EV charger, 1 or two inverters and batteries, induction hob and 2x ovens going in, we needed to upgrade from 60A to 100A. Our supply cable was insufficient for 100A so we're booked in for a single phase supply upgrade which would be completely free.

 

We'll make use of time of use tariff. We'd benefit from a 22kW car charger. Doing shift work I have abnormal consumption schedules so our diversity doesn't reliably drop the total load much. As a result we could easily hit 35KVA and up to 53KVA. We can make do without 3 phase, but we'd definitely benefit from it. 

 

I understand Western Power networks install 3 phase by default if a supply upgrade is required. So I contacted our DNO UKPN to enquire about 3 phase supply. They tell me a 3 phase upgrade would make all works chargeable, estimated at £6700 (inc. VAT) excluding digging on our property.

£370 of that is the 3 phase cable and ducting, and the remaining £6300 is the labour (i.e. digging the pavement 3m from the house on our side of the road and making the connection, most of which would presumably be identical to the single phase work). That's prohibitive.

 

I am grateful to have single phase as non-chargeable and wasn't expecting to get it as good as under Western Power . However I'd really hoped I could pay just the marginal cost of the 3 phase equipment and connection work- it feels absurd to have to pay for the digging which I'd otherwise get for free.

 

Are there any strategy documents or consumer rights I can quote to try and just pay that marginal cost? Any advice greatly appreciated.

powerful_Rogue

What are the results of this?

https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/i-already-have-electricity-domestic/adding-more-power/fuse-upgrade

Scot_39

Western Power Distribution no longer AFAIK exist - according to a quick google - arent they now part of National Grid Elec Dist - who certainly announced they had changed their rules on fuse ratings.

And their rules for 2 years ago - were that 100A was supposedly no longer the standard single phase - 80A was - so are you sure your getting 100A

And note this notice also says if they turn up and work on 100A homes - they will at same time derate that fuse to the standard 80A.

From May 2023 - to come in from June - 

https://www.nationalgrid.co.uk/downloads-view-reciteme/633928

Note their overcurrent assumption for the 80A - good for 100A for 4 hours.

There was meant to be no more 100A - only 1 phase 80A or 3 phase 60A for those needing 23kVA plus.

The singe phase is if you like an upgrade to their standard - but the wording here isn't clear to me - as at least part free only because of the ASHP or EV requirement (a similar free offer would apply if identified a safety problem)

From page 2

Upgrading to 80A

"Where existing customers have a supply which is
not sufficiently capable of providing 80A / 18.4kVA
and where the request for an increased demand is
due to the inclusion of low carbon technology,
NGED will upgrade the fuse or service conductors
at no cost to the customer. Existing cutouts may
have the fuse increased to 80A where the
supplying cable and earth fault loop impedance
are deemed to be suitable (i.e. < 0.52 ohms)"

 Read that NGED document and see if it makes sense.

Netexporter

I asked NG to upgrade my 60A supply to 100A. The supply cable is the same size as the one at my previous house, which had a 100A fuse from when it was built, but they only upgrade to 80A now. They changed the service head for a new one but the supply cable did not need upgrading.

The 80A fuse is designed to take 100A for four hours. Are you ever likely to draw 23kW continuously?