Moving an electricity pole

gekkobelly

I am in the process of building an extension on to our home (cottage, very rural setting) and slap in the middle of it there is an electricity pole supplying my house and two others.

NEDL say it will take up to 16 weeks to move the pole (despite having cashed my cheque for £500 for the work!) which would totally scupper my plans as the builders have already started work. Does anyone know of any legal consequences of having my contractors move the pole to a temporary setting while they get their acts together? The cables are all insulated and the sparky has said he can do it safely.

NEDL are being no help whatsoever.

What would happen if something were to happen to said pole and it was unsafe, would they come any quicker??

Any advice to get this sorted quickly would be much appreciated.

mute_posting

gekkobelly wrote: »

What would happen if something were to happen to said pole and it was unsafe, would they come any quicker?

I think they would find it highly suspicious if it were to suffer an "accident" and you may get a hefty bill.

Is your contractor "authorised" to carry out work on the public electricity supply? Remember, if he c***ks it t up your neighbours may not be best impressed with you!

MP

apurplemind

The 16 week leadtime could be due to a number of factors. Scheduling of work, if wayleaves are needed (permission to move pole onto someone elses land etc), if a shutdown is needed (normally only done during summer months as there is less of a load requirement).

If 'something' happened to the pole I would expect NEDL would consider it damage and possible bill you for additional work. I doubt your contractors would have the necessary authority/abilities to move this pole.

Sorry its not what you wanted to hear.

Ali